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GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON
From a miniature
An Artillery Officer in
The Mexican War
1846-7
Letters of Robert Anderson
Captain 3rd Artillery, U. S. A.
With a Prefatory Word by His Daughter
Eba Anderson Lawton
With 21 Illustrations
G. P. Putnam's Sons
New York and London
ttbc f:nicfterbocRer pte0S
1911
Copyright, 1911
BY
EBA ANDERSON LAWTON
TTbe fmfcfietbocber prcBs, Hew Iport
IN MEMORY OF
MY MOTHER
TO WHOM THESE LETTERS WERE WRITTEN
INTRODUCTION
THE story of the war which was carried on between
the United States and Mexico dtiring the years
1846, 1847, and 1848 constitutes an interesting and
brilliant chapter in the history of the nation. The
record of the campaigns of the little American army
makes also a distinctive contribution to the history
of war. Since this war was brought to a close, more
than half a century has passed. Two generations have
come and gone, and the scenes and events of these
campaigns now belong to history or to tradition, while
the art of war itself has been very materially modified.
The deeds of brave men belong, however, to all genera-
tions and a record of heroism and of patriotism serves
to maintain the noblest impulses of human nature.
The narrative in question falls naturally into three
divisions: first, an analysis of the causes of the war,
second, an accoimt of the conduct of the campaign, and
third, the actual consequences of the war.
"The opening scene of the Mexican War aroused the
country to a fever heat by reason of the tragic con-
ditions that stuTounded it. The first contention was
over a narrow strip of comparatively worthless territory,
lying between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande.
The acquisition of Texas had led to the necessity of
occupying the new boundary on the southwest, and
General Zachary Taylor with a portion of our small
regular army was sent to check any advance of Mexi-
cans into the lately acquired territory.
^ Introduction
"He was met at the Nueces River by General
Ampudia, in command of the Mexican forces, who
forbade him to cross that river, claiming that the other
side was imdisputably Mexican territory. This demand
General Taylor declined to accede to, and, crossing the
Nueces, he proceeded at once to the left bank of the
Rio Grande, where he threw up a fieldwork, and placing
in it a small garrison, he then moved the main body
of his troops to the mouth of the river, for the purpose
of bringing up supplies and reinforcements. No sooner
had he turned his back, than Ampudia with a large
force crossed the Rio Grande, besieged the earthwork
afterwards known as Fort Brown, and prepared to
dispute General Taylor's return.
"This was the situation that aroused the whole
Southern Country, especially the people of New Orleans
and Mobile, as these were the points of embarkation
for the seat of war. It was feared that the fort wotdd
be captured and its garrison massacred, and that
General Taylor with his very inferior force might be
cut to pieces.
"A hundred thousand men would have embarked
at once with their own rifles and shotgtms if trans-
portation could have been provided for them. All the
cities of the South were the scenes of intense excitement,
which was only relieved by the glorious news that was
soon to come.
"In the meantime. General Taylor, fully aware of
what was going on up the river, prepared to return,
raise the siege of Fort Brown, and confront the enemy.
His little army was composed of superb material. Years
of peace had served to recruit a fine class of men at the
comfortable and attractive posts on the Northwestern
frontier; the troops included school teachers, lawyers,
Introduction vii
physicians, and merchants, who had found their several
vocations overstocked, or who had been obliged to
yield the way to men of more push and energy, and had
sought a temporary refuge in the army. A more intel-
ligent body of soldiers could not be found in any army
in the world. Each man was a host in himself, and
each had a personal ambition to gratify. On the other
hand, the Mexicans had become inspired with the
idea that, compared with themselves, "the barbarians
of the North" were an altogether contemptible lot,
and so it was with a good deal of confidence that they
iindertook to interpose themselves between General
Taylor and the little garrison of Fort Brown.
"On a beautiful day of May, 1846, on the now his-
toric field of Palo Alto, the Mexican army was drawn
up in line of battle, with the artillery in position, sup-
ported by a body of infantry, and flanked by squadrons
of cavalry. General Taylor, arriving within sight of
this impressive array, quickly formed his marching
columns into line, and true to his familiar name of
'Rough and Ready,' gave battle at once.
"The field batteries opened their fire with a quickness
that astonished the Mexicans, while their rapid dis-
charge mowed down the infantry as with a scythe. For
a time the Mexicans, in spite of the terrible fire, bravely
held their ground, and many of oxu: gallant officers and
soldiers fell before them; but soon their ranks began
to waver, and then 'Old Zack' ordered his cavalry
to charge, which they did with a terrible effect. It was
too much for the enemy, who broke and fled and who
could not be rallied. But the American forces, after
the fatiguing march in the sun, were in no condition to
pxirsue them, and the army rested on the field it had
so bravely won.
viii Introduction
"The next morning found the Mexicans recovering
somewhat from their surprise, and with renewed cour-
age taking up another position in the rear of the one
they had abandoned, known as Resaca de la Pahna.
It is imnecessary to enter into details. Suffice it to say
that the 9th of May by its signal victory added new
lustre to the glory of the 8th. The Mexicans were
utterly routed, seeking safety in precipitous flight or
death by drowning in the river.
"Fort Brown and its heroic garrison, that had so
nobly repelled every assault, was reHeved, and a new
chaplet of fame had been won for our gallant httle
army. Subsequently the army crossed the Rio Grande
into the enemy's country. The capture of Monterey
after a hard fought and bloody battle soon followed.
And then came the glorious and surprising victory of
Buena Vista where the enemy, commanded by Santa
Anna in person, outnumbered our brave soldiers more
than four to one, but the latter had become veterans
of experience.
"The seat of war was now transferred to the Gulf,
where the army and navy imited in the siege and cap-
ture of Vera Cruz and of the strongly fortified Castle
of San Juan d'Uloa that defended the harbor. Then
began, imder General Winfield Scott, who, true to his
name, never lost a battle, the long march for the
capitol, the halls of the Montezumas.
"Scott was now to achieve, on the lines followed
by the great Cortez four centuries before, the second
conquest of Mexico. Cerro Gordo, a marvellously
strong position, was turned by strategic skill, and city
after city threw open its gates until the victorious
columns stood on the summit of the mountain range
that overlooked the magnificent valley with the splen-
Introduction ix
did City of Mexico nestled in the centre. Scott had a
mere handful of men compared with the legions that
the world's great conquerors had led to battle, and if
this army failed there was no retreat, and little hope
for reinforcement. Down the mountainsides and into
the great valley the army hastened, to the accomplish-
ment of the work before it.
"A city on an island, in a lake, with no approach
except by narrow causeways bristling with cannon!
The army advanced, but not to the place prepared for
them, where a victory would have been next to a defeat,
but by a flank movement, executed with military
genius, it succeeded in turning the elaborate and for-
midable fortifications at El Pinon.
"Yet there were battles to be fought, and won, before
the prize cotild be grasped. There was Contreras and
Cherubusco, Molino del Rey and Chapultepec, and
then the Garrittas bristling with cannon was to be
captured. These places all fell in turn, some of them
with heavy loss. But what deeds of valor, what
heroism, what daimtless courage did that little army
exhibit ! Scant has been the meed of praise those heroes
so dearly earned. Few have been the laurel wreaths
upon the graves of those who 'poured their life's
blood freely out "pro bono publico.
"There are few deeds in all the history of war to be
compared with the contests of that little army that
fought its way step by step to the heart of the great
republic of the South, and whose campaigns were fol-
lowed by the acquisition of the vast treasure house of
the continent, from which the world has received more
gold and silver than in all time it had before possessed.
"To crown it all we restored to Mexico the country
that we had so gallantly won, and we gave also sufficient
X Introduction
means to enable the race that had so long neglected
its opportunities to enter on a career of industry, of
usefulness, and of honor. A full measure of prosperity,
and a national security never before experienced, have
been the result. No one is now more gladly welcomed
or more honored in Mexico than an American.
"To us as a nation, the Mexican War was a grand
lesson of patriotism and a glorious exhibition of patri-
otic valor.
"This brief outline of the campaign enables us to
understand the part taken in it by Anderson. Nothing
could have given him more poignant distress than the
decision made by the War Department which desig-
nated his company among those that were to garrison
the forts on the seaboard.
"Notwithstanding the requirements for troops in
Mexico, it was, of course, not practicable to leave the
home stations entirely without garrisons. Anderson's
company was ordered from Fort Moultrie first to Fort
Marion, and then to Fort Brook. This did not meet
with the approbation of the young captain of artillery
who had left the staff for the line as a shorter road to
active service, and he was well pleased when after a
second appHcation to the Adjutant-General, orders
came for Company 'G' to embark for the seat of war.
Palo Alto, Resaca, and Monterey had already crowned
the Uttle army with glory, and Genl. Scott was busy
with the organization of his army for invasion by way
of Vera Cruz."^
This resume of the inception and history of the
Mexican War leads us up to the date of the beginning
of Captain Anderson's letters to his wife.
These letters are given without comment or notes.
' From an unpublished Life of General Anderson by General Viele.
Introduction xi
All matters of a personal character are eliminated, as
this book has been planned to present the events of
the Mexican War in which he took part, and not those
of his intimate home life.
The letters of the young Captain present a vivid and
valuable pictiire of the campaign. If we compare
these pages with other narratives of the campaign, we
may be struck with a similarity of wording. Anderson
mentions several persons who applied to him for memo-
randa from his Journal and who afterwards published
histories of the Mexican War. He also speaks of Colonel
Hitchcock, who on the 3rd October "did me the honor
to read to me a proposed Introduction to a number of
Letters written in the City on the 20th of August,
requesting my suggestion of any alterations that might
occur to me." On the 4th October he writes his wife
that not until the preceding day did he learn that
"Genl. Scott had, about the 19th of last November,
made application for me to be appointed Asst. Adjt.
Genl. with the rank of Major to enable him to select
me as Chief of his Staff. "
One reading Anderson's letter giving an account of
the Battle of Molino del Rey, would hardly realize
that he was the hero of the day. I quote from a very
long article, entitled " Captain Robert Anderson," which
appeared in the New Orleans Delta, a few sentences,
showing the estimate in which his services on that
occasion were held. "The gallant Kentuckian, who
from the bombardment of Vera Cruz to the brilliant
and perilous assault on El-Molino-del-Rey, has been a
distinguished actor. ... We wish to add some par-
ticular details of that heroic exploit, assuredly one of
the most brilliant as well as bloody of the war, which
have reached us from an authentic source. . . . The
X Introduction
means to enable the race that had so long neglected
its opportunities to enter on a career of industry, of
usefulness, and of honor. A full measure of prosperity,
and a national security never before experienced, have
been the result. No one is now more gladly welcomed
or more honored in Mexico than an American.
"To us as a nation, the Mexican War was a grand
lesson of patriotism and a glorious exhibition of patri-
otic valor.
"This brief outline of the campaign enables us to
understand the part taken in it by Anderson. Nothing
could have given him more poignant distress than the
decision made by the War Department which desig-
nated his company among those that were to garrison
the forts on the seaboard.
"Notwithstanding the requirements for troops in
Mexico, it was, of course, not practicable to leave the
home stations entirely without garrisons. Anderson's
company was ordered from Fort Moultrie first to Fort
Marion, and then to Fort Brook. This did not meet
with the approbation of the yoimg captain of artillery
who had left the staff for the line as a shorter road to
active service, and he was well pleased when after a
second application to the Adjutant-General, orders
came for Company 'G' to embark for the seat of war.
Palo Alto, Resaca, and Monterey had already crowned
the little army with glory, and Genl. Scott was busy
with the organization of his army for invasion by way
of Vera Cruz."'
This resume of the inception and history of the
Mexican War leads us up to the date of the beginning
of Captain Anderson's letters to his wife.
These letters are given without comment or notes.
' From an unpublished Life of General Anderson by General Viele.
Introduction xi
All matters of a personal character are eliminated, as
this book has been planned to present the events of
the Mexican War in which he took part, and not those
of his intimate home life.
The letters of the young Captain present a vivid and
valuable picture of the campaign. If we compare
these pages with other narratives of the campaign, we
may be struck with a similarity of wording. Anderson
mentions several persons who applied to him for memo-
NOTE
The citation given on page XI. was from an article brought into
print in the Louismlle Democrat, December 17, 1847. It appears that
the Democrat had quoted from a paper printed some time earlier in the
Delta of New Orleans. The article as published in the Delta was
understood to have been written by a brother ofl&cer who had served
with Captain Anderson in the battle of Molino del Rey.
One reading Anderson's letter giving an account of
the Battle of MoHno del Rey, would hardly realize
that he was the hero of the day. I quote from a very
long article, entitled " Captain Robert Anderson," which
appeared in the New Orleans Delta, a few sentences,
showing the estimate in which his services on that
occasion were held. "The gallant Kentuckian, who
from the bombardment of Vera Cruz to the brilliant
and perilous assault on El-Molino-del-Rey, has been a
distinguished actor. . . . We wish to add some par-
ticular details of that heroic exploit, assuredly one of
the most brilliant as well as bloody of the war, which
have reached us from an authentic source. . . . The
xii Introduction
capture of this point, against such odds, and Captain
Anderson's part in it, were pronounced by a gallant
and distinguished officer, who bore an important com-
mand on that occasion, as one of the most brilliant
achievements of the war. . . . The fighting and excite-
ment being over, Capt. Anderson became faint from
loss of blood, and he was compelled to lie down, — to
rest literally on the bed of honor."
In closing this introduction I wish to draw the atten-
tion of my readers to three salient points in Anderson's
character, which shine forth clear as the stmshine in
these, his private letters to his wife, and which, with
his love of country, distinguished him through life: his
deep religious feeling, his self-abnegation, and his mo-
desty. Before the battle of El-Molino-del-Rey, he
writes, "Should God spare my life, I will restune this
letter the earliest moment after Victory." In one of
his early letters, January 28, 1847, he speaks of having
a memorial signed by the officers for his "hobby" —
the founding of a retreat for old soldiers. From 1837
to 1 85 1, he had worked over this plan. He had five
bills introduced into Congress, the first in 1840, and
the last on March 3, 1851 ; this was passed by a large
majority. He had wished the place to be called the
"Soldiers' Retreat," in memory of the Kentucky home
of his father. Colonel Richard Clough Anderson, and of
his own birthplace. From the Louisville Times I quote
the following, which, in view of the fact that his right
as the Founder of the Home is now generally ignored,
speaks better for his unselfishness and self-abnegation
than for the gratitude of republics. "The humane
sentiment which impelled Major Anderson to urge the
establishment of such an institution, and the unceasing
and laborious zeal and perseverance with which he has
Introduction xiii
pursued his conception to its final consummation, confer
undying honor on him, and form a beautiful appendix
to the glory his sword has so gallantly won in fighting
the battles of his coiuitry." Anderson's letter of Feb-
ruary 24th is very characteristic. Col. Gates had
selected him as his associate at Tampico. Col. Bank-
head told him, "that next to the ofiicers of his own
Regiment, he would rather have me with him than any
one else. ' ' ' ' General Scott said that he wanted me in the
trenches with him." Anderson adds, "There is so much
in the preceding which would not be written to any one
else but yourself as it looks exceedingly like egotism, that
I hope you will not read, or let it be read by any one."
My noble father will forgive his daughter for making
public at this time confidences which were intended
only for his wife. She can but feel, however, that after
an interval of 64 years, it is fitting that his countrymen
should secure a clearer understanding of his character
and of his service. It is indeed proper, if only as a
matter of historic justice, that after more than half a
century of silence, Anderson's fellow-citizens should
reahze that his action at Fort Sumter was only a logical
consummation of a Hfe spent in devotion to his country.
The memoir of General Anderson, as presented in his
Journals and Correspondence, is to be published shortly
by G. P. Putnam's Sons. The preparation of this
memoir has been tmdertaken by his daughter, not only
as a task of fiUal duty, but also for the service of the
community and with the conviction that the world will
be richer for the record of the lifework of a high-minded
and noble Christian patriot.
Eba Anderson Lawton.
New York, September, 1911.
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGB
General Robert Anderson . . Frontispiece
From a miniature. Copyright, 1 901
Major-General Robert Patterson . . .16
General Winfield Scott ..... 46
View of Tampico ...... 60
Detroit Photo. Co.
General Taylor 66
View of Mount Orizaba from Vera Cruz . . 80
From an old photograph
The Siege of Vera Cruz . ... 92
From an engraving of the painting by Powell
General Santa Anna ..... 106
From a lithograph
General William Jenkins Worth . . .111
From an engraving by J. Sartain, after a daguerreotype
Rough Sketch of the Battle-ground of Cerro
Gordo — April 18, 1847 .... 138
Panorama of Puebla 170
xvi Illustrations
PAGE
PUEBLA DE Los AnGELES I?^
Mexican Water Carriers i88
From a photograph
Scene in a Mexican Market .... 204
Detroit Photo. Co.
View of Mount Iztaccihuatl from the East . 242
From an old photograph
The Pyramid of Cholxjla ..... 252
Redrawn from an old print
Making Tortillas 262
Detroit Photo. Co.
A View of Popocatepetl from Puebla . . 282
From an old photograph
Scene at the Battle of Molino del Rey . .310
From an engraving of the painting by Chappel
The Battle of Chapultepec .... 314
From an engraving by J. Duthie after the painting by
H. Billings
Mexico City Looking Southwest from the
Cathedral . . . . . , 328
Fort Brooke, Fla.
Dec. 7, 1846.
Genl. R. Jones, Adjt.-Genl.
General :
I have the honor most respectfully and earnestly to
solicit orders for " G " Co., 3rd Arty., to report forthwith
for duty in the field. The Company, having been raised to
a total of 86 by the arrival of the recruits under Lt. Brown,
is now ready and desirous to join the Army in Mexico.
From conversations with Lt. Brown, I think I may safely
promise, that these recruits will, by the time an answer is
received to this application, and before they can sail, be
pretty well prepared for taking their places in the ranks of
the Company. The place of " G " Co., as part of this
command, might, I think, be easily and properly filled by
one of the companies of the ist Arty., now being raised at
the North. This arrangement, certainly satisfactory to the
ofiScers of the ist Arty., would enable the War Dept. to
send to Genl. Taylor's Army, a company excellently well
armed and equipped, which contains a respectable propor-
tion of well educated old soldiers, in place of one of raw
recruits.
Hoping that a favorable answer may be soon received to
this application,
I have the honor to remain,
Robert Anderson,
Capt. 3rd Arty.
An Artillery Officer in Mexico
Fort Brook, Florida,
December 28, 1846.
AFTER gazing from the hill-top, near which we se-
parated, until I could see nothing more of the two
rapidly receding conveyances which carried away from
me my all, I returned with a heavy heart to our home.
About 9 o'clock the poor Major came in and sat with me
for a few minutes. Poor father, his afflictions are
very heavy; he read me part of a letter from his son
at Pensacola to his mother, urging her to come and live
with and comfort his father. The letter was a very
affecting one, and had it not been for the insanity of
John, would probably have started Mrs. W. for Tampa.
Of John, the accounts are somewhat favorable; he is in
the Asylum, — but his Uncle thinks that the affliction
is rather bodily than mental. God grant that he may
be right. The Major has been so kind that I could not
help giving the substance of his evening's communica-
tion. He spoke of our separation with much feeling.
I am employing myself as busily as possible in get-
ting ready. God grant that I may hear before we
start of your getting on well. Some person may come
in who met you on the road. Be assured that I shall
keep a good lookout that no one may come in without
my questioning them about you.
2 An Artillery Officer
Mr. Capron told me this morning that Mrs. Steiner
had, he believed, given up the idea of going across the
country. She thinks of spending the winter here, and
going to Ohio in the spring. I hope for Mrs. Capron's
' sake that the original intention may be carried out,
as she will be very unpleasantly situated at this out
of the way place without a protector. Corporal and
Mrs. Hannel come to my room every day to make up
my bed, sweep the floor, etc. I have seen the Sutler —
he will take all of the eatables, etc., I have on hand.
I am to send him the cooking utensils, etc., this after-
noon. The carpenters are at work to-day on my camp
bedstead, and the tailor is botching my jacket and
pants — thus you see that I have not been tmmindful of
your requests.
The papers which I have examined closely give
no certain intelligence about our vessel. A barque
cleared from New York on the nth inst. for
Tampico. This may be our vessel. It is the Floyd.
I shall write you by the next mail — that is, you may ex-
pect to receive another letter from this post, whether
I am here on mail day or not, as, if I leave, I shall
write you the day we sail. The men seem anxious to
go ; everything is now ready for the vessel.
I have not mentioned that I have joined the mess at
Mr. Allen's — breakfast 8:30, dinner i, and tea at re-
treat. We keep country hoiu-s, differing slightly from
our household arrangements. Let us see how my
calculations of your daily journeys agree with the
facts. Last night I supposed you camped near Capt.
Bradley's, to-night I shall locate you about ten miles
beyond Col. Pearson's. I pray God that no accident
may occur on your journey, and that you may soon
reach home enjoying excellent health. Our prayers
In Mexico 3
will meet, I hope, nightly in Heaven, as we pray for
our own family. This thought will comfort my heart.
Here you have on this part of the paper the in-
formation I should have given you before we parted.
It may be best to sell the articles through Capt.
Hanham, if Col. M. does not want them. Do as you
think best: Say to Col. M. that Dr. Ciurry has just
informed me that he will deliver to him at Longwood
his two mules for $165. One is a very large one, and
works kindly in harness anywhere. Mrs. C.,he says,
has driven him in a buggy. The smaller one, he says,
is also an excellent animal. The large mule cost him
$140. Their ages he thinks 6 and 8. If an answer be
sent at once the mules may be sent by Dr. Steiner or
Mrs. Capron's party. Dr. Curry is to be Capt.
Sprague's medico. And now I '11 wish you good-
evening till after tea.
6:30. Just returned from tea. Capt. Sprague thinks
that you are to-night about fifteen miles beyond Col.
Pearson's, and that to-morrow night you will encamp
fifteen miles beyond the Withlacoochee. This is a
better allowance for your day's travel than I have
given. I do not think that you can reach Col. Madi-
son's earHer than Wednesday eve., he imagines that
you may reach there on Tuesday. Oh ! that this letter
could call to you as you enter the mail boat at Palatka
and tell you of its being on board for you. It will be
on board the same boat all the way to St. Mary's,
and you cannot read it tUl you reach home, nearly four
days after your having been almost within arm's
reach of it.
I have not paid a visit since you left. I saw every-
body in chiu-ch on Sunday, but spoke to no one but
Mrs. Astell — who kindly approached me and asked
4 An Artillery Officer
when I left you and how I left you. I suppose that I
ought to go in to see the Astells— I shall probably
go nowhere else. I am sorry for poor Mrs. Capron,
and hope something may occur to give her a safe and
agreeable escort to her friends.
You must not omit telling your father that Col.
Madison left your Uncle John my calf about which I
wrote him last summer. She is now about i8 months
old, of Mr. Clay's best stock, her mother imported by
Col. Morgan of Ky. I left her with Col. Hanson sub-
ject to my order — intending to have requested you to
send for her in the event of my not returning to St.
Augustine — but he neglected her, and Col. Madison
very kindly and properly took her away. I wish your
father would get her while she is young, as I would like
him to have her stock on his plantation, and when
I get within striking distance I will either want her
again or one of her calves.
You see that I introduce all my business affairs — I
do this to keep my mind from my lonesomeness, and
also under the fear that after I get away from here my
mind may be so much occupied that these trifles may
escape me. I had intended writing to one of my
brothers by this mail, but I must put it off till the next
one. When ovi boxes are shipped from here I shall
request Mr. Clark to inform you of it. And now I
must bid you good-night. Let us try to be grateful to
Him for the mercies with which He blesses us. I
shall expect to find a letter from you in the first arrival
from New Orleans after I reach Tampico.
Fort Brook, Florida,
December 29, 1846.
The expected vessel has arrived — she is a brig
belonging to the Government, called John Potter,
In Mexico 5
which sailed from New York on the 14th inst. having
made therefore a very quick passage. We are to com-
mence loading in the morning and will sail as soon as
possible. This letter in which I propose writing a
little every day will give you the time when. Lt.
Burke, Adjt. of the ist Arty., came passenger. He ac-
companies us to Tampico, as he will remain with
Maj. Whiting who will be the commander of the
Regt. I have been busy to-day sending down our
goods and chattels to the Sutler's.
Dec. 30th. I had written thus far last evening,
when the Sergt. came in with some papers for me to
examine and sign, and I was engaged until some time
after tattoo before I finished my labors. To-day we
have been getting some of the Company's property
on board — the vessel is so far down (below the island)
that we work very slowly. In private business I have
done pretty well. Mr. Clark has settled with me as
far as he can; he has a Mem. of all the articles left,
and has given me a copy. He will take a favorable
time for selling everything. I have written to Mr.
Adger informing him that one tierce, one trunk, and
three boxes would be sent to him. I have requested him
to keep them in store until he hears from me or from
you. The Capt. of the Potter thinks we will run over
in eight days. He thinks that we have an abundance
of provisions. We shall not touch at the Balize.
Mrs. C. has, I hear to-day, decided to accompany
Mrs. S. on the New Orleans to Baton Rouge Barracks.
If I had Mrs. S.'s money I do not think I would ever
think of living at barracks whilst separated from my
husband. Poor Mrs. C. would, I suppose, have to go to
Kamchatka if Mrs. S. goes there, as she has no one to
6 An Artillery Officer
take charge of her. I thank God that you have not
been dependent on any of them for anything.
I hope that we may not get off until after the mail
comes in, as I may get a line from my wife. What a
relief it would give me to know that you had gone on
without accident after I left you. It cannot be pos-
sible that I am not to hear from you until I reach Tam-
pico, and probably not until after I have been two or
three weeks there ! God has been so full of mercies and
kindnesses towards me and mine that I cherish the belief
and hope that when I do hear, the news will be good.
My camp bedstead and everything is now ready.
I have nothing to do but to pack. I have decided not
to take sheets. Good-night.
On Board the "John Potter,"
Fort Brook, Florida,
Thursday, December 31, 1846.
This has been a busy day. It being muster day, I
have of course had writing to attend to, and we have
been engaged sending our stores on board. The
distance by the channel to the position of the brig is
about nine miles. My private affairs have not been
neglected, the cow having been sold at a loss of only
one sixth. The carpenters and sail-makers have
finished their work for the Company, and all are now
ready to start as soon as we can get on board. The
chances are now that we cannot leave before Saturday
or perhaps Sunday. To-morrow night's mail may
bring a letter from you ; oh, how sincerely do I hope it
may if it be only two lines to say you are well.
Friday Night, January i, 1847.
The beginning of a New Year. God grant that
In Mexico 7
it may bring happiness to us — that we may this year so
live as to thank our Heavenly Father for the bless-
ings it brought. Not a line to-night from you — this is
as I anticipated ; my reason told me it would be so ;
hope whispered that I might hear.
I send a sweet letter to you from Mrs. Clinch.
It was written before the receipt of my letter announc-
ing my having received orders. No other letter came
but a very affectionate one from William with a short
one from his son Tom. I must answer them to-night
as it is probable that I shall be on board to-morrow
night. Everything or rather nearly everything is now
done. It is proposed to get the men on board to-morrow,
and early the next day, that we may sail on Sunday.
This may therefore be the last night I shall sleep in
my old quarters. Although you are gone, yet there is
something a little touched with mournfulness in the
idea of my going out of the old rooms not to return
into them again.
To-day I have packed and had the Company's desk
boxed and commenced packing my mess chest. I
find that I have plenty of room. I think even of taking
the soup digester with me. Good soup would not be
amiss even at Tampico. Some of the ladies expected,
I am told, New Year's calls. I have been so much en-
gaged that had I been ever so much inclined, I could
not have gone round. Without anything to do, my
inclination would have kept me at home. As my red
ink is boxed up, I must attempt crossing with this.
To-morrow you will perhaps leave Longwood.
Saturday Night, January 2, 1847.
Here I am on board our good brig; nearly all the
men are down; to-morrow morning we shall sail as soon
8 An Artillery Officer
as the remainder (about twenty) are on board with the
Major and other officers. I preferred coming down to-
day with the Command, so as to give Lt. Capron as
much time with his poor wife as possible. I called to
say good-bye to her, and she was very much affected.
I called at Mr. Astell's but they were at tea. I
did not have time to call at the Doctor's, every
moment of my time being taken up. Capt. Sprague
received a long letter from Mr. Judd. He writes from
Tampico, and says that he has very pleasant quarters
there. Col. Gates and Lt. Col. Belton are there.
We expect to find Genl. Scott there with a large force,
as the papers are filled with accounts of the move-
ments of Volunteers towards that place. There was a
rumor to-day of Col. Andrews being on his way — ^if so,
you must have met him. I hope if he comes in to-night
that he will come down to-morrow.
I am exceedingly anxious to hear from you, or to see
some person who has met you. I fear, however, that
I shall have to sail without this last satisfaction. You
are, I suppose, on the road from Col. M.'s to Palatka.
God grant that you may reach home in good health,
and that you, finding how much joy you impart to
others, may soon begin to look upon the bright side of
things. I shall write you by every opportunity, but
you must not worry if you do not receive a letter every
mail, as opportunities may not occur so often even as
that. As the Postmaster is to be on board to-morrow,
I shall not close this letter to-night.
On Board the "John Potter,"
Sunday Morning, January 3, 1847.
The last boat load of the Command is now coming,
and the Capt. of the brig has gone in his boat to
In Mexico 9
bring the rest of the officers. This looks like moving. I
had thought until last night that I was about taking my
departure from the United States, but the Capt. says
that he took papers from New York exactly as if he
were going from one port to another in the United
States. Indeed the march of Democracy is progressive.
How different to-day from the Sundays when we were
together — then all quiet, now all bustle and confusion.
The officers do very well on board, but the accommoda-
tions are not sufficient for the number of men. We
have a very comfortable, airy, and commodious cabin
on deck, they have lines of berths extending the length
of the hold, badly lighted and scarcely ventilated at
all. Fortunate will it be for the men if our trip is
short. The nights are so pleasant that many of them
will sleep on deck.
Major Whiting received a letter from his wife by
yesterday's mail. She had heard of his orders and
writes to him cheerfully: tells him that the Power who
has thus far preserved them will continue his protec-
tion; that he must not be worried about her; that
she and the children will get on very well. But the
best of her news is about their son, whose condition is
favorably mentioned. Do not forget to mention to
your father that the Intelligencer and Courier are still
probably sent to Charleston; they had better be dis-
continued; it is useless to send them to me as I shall
never get them.
We take as passengers out with us from Tampa Bay
— the Clerk of the Court, Mr. Wan, and the brother of
the Postmaster. They go to Mexico to seek their
fortunes — anything for a change. The United States
will be depopulated by their conquests. Each State,
as it is conquered, will be considered the most desir-
10 An Artillery Officer
able part of the world. Florida is no longer the land
of promise. I have directed Mr. Clark to forward the
proceeds of the sale of the articles left with him direct
to you. I gave otir potiltry and some few things away.
It was useless to take many things with me, and hardly
worth while to send others to sell. Having now nearly
reached the bottom of the page, and finished re-
writing the whole, I must now bid you adieu.
Brig "John Potter,"
January 25, 1847.
Here we are at anchor off the bar at Tampico, and
the steamboat is now approaching to tow us to town.
Hoping that an opportunity may present itself for
sending this letter, I have determined to attempt
writing, though I fear from the rocking of the boat,
and the confusion of all on board, that my scrawl
wUl be illegible. We have had two or three pretty
severe storms, but preserved by the Father of all
mercies, we are now at oiu- destined port. To-morrow
week we were where we now are, and were blown off
by a Norther. We are reduced to a short allowance
of provisions and water, so that it is well for us that we
are to get in to-day.
You do not know how full my heart has been con-
stantly of you. You will be, I know, wretched at not
hearing from me, — will think that we are lost. Place
your confidence, I beseech you, in God who has show-
ered so many blessings on us since our destinies have
been united. He has protected both of us in many
dangers, and will not forsake us unless we forget Him.
We have a Mexican subject on board, but as he does
not speak a word of English, and we have no one on
board who speaks Spanish, we can get very little in-
In Mexico
II
formation from him. We do not know whether Genl.
Scott is at Tampico or not. As the steamer is now
alongside, I will stop writing a few moments, and finish
as we go up the river.
We are now safely over the bar, and a small boat is
on the point of leaving us for the Ellen and Clara
which is to sail to New Orleans in the morning. I shall
send this scrawl as I may not have an opportunity of
writing again. A steamer is now coming down from Tam-
pico to tow us up — we having sent the one that brought
us over the bar to tow a bark, which is said to have
troops on board. As I shall not have an opportunity
of sending this off ''' will take it up to Tampico with me.
Off Tampico. Finding that the letter I have writ-
ten since we anchored is but little better written than
this, I think I shall send this. The next time I write,
I hope that my hand and head will both have recovered
from the effects of sea-sickness. I am truly rejoiced
that you had no sea voyage to take to reach home.
All on board, except Major Whiting, suffered very
much ; the Major has improved very much. He looks
much better than he did at Tampa Bay.
I hope to find a letter from you in the first mail from
New Orleans. Were it not that I am exceedingly de-
sirous you should hear from me by the earliest oppor-
txmity, I would not send you this letter as really I am
ashamed of my writing. But as I am writing, or
rather attempting to write, on a ship's table, and at this
time with a very bad light, and as it is probable that I
should not write any better to-morrow, I will and must
send this. You can make out what I mean. Finding
that I will have a Httle time for writing a few lines in
the morning, I will now bid you good-night.
12 An Artillery Officer
Tampico, January 26th, 9 p.m.
Finding that the mail would not leave until six
o'clock to-morrow, I have kept this letter open that
I might give you the last news. I have attended
to-day to landing the Company, etc., and to getting
them made comfortable in the quarters. To-morrow
I shall move them into other quarters where I am to re-
main till we leave here. We shall be very comfortable.
I am now writing at Lt. Austine's table. Col. Gates
has just left the room to allow my finishing my let-
ter. He has been talking a great deal about his wife
and child. From his own account it seems to me that
the Col. depended too much on himself in attending to
his child. He says that Mrs. Gates became strongly
attached to the little boy.
To-day I have been looking around the town — it is
not a Mexican or Spanish town in its construction.
Most of the good houses being constructed by English
or German residents, the walls are very thick and sur-
rounding courtyards. Until the Volunteers came, the
citizens appeared inclined to be sociable. But now
many have left, and gone into the interior. Genl.
Whitman's Brigade arrived within ten miles of camp,
and is there encamped. I have seen many of my old
army friends here to-day. Capt. Myers will sleep in
the same room with me to-night. I have not seen
him yet. Mr. Brown, whom I saw this morning, ex-
presses himself anxious to join me. He will, I expect,
be assigned to-morrow. Lt. Andrews has been assigned
to the Company temporarily to-day. Mr. Judd, tell
Mary, looks exceedingly fierce with his moustachios.
He does not shave at all — I wonder that he is not
alarmed at his own likeness in the glass. I must now
bid you farewell for the present, as I know Col. Gates
In Mexico 13
keeps early hours for retiring, and I fear that I am keep-
ing him up. No news from Genl. Scott — he is daily-
expected. Maj. McCall inquired very kindly after
Genl. Clinch to-day.
Brig "John Potter," Tampico,
January 25, 1847.
We are here at last, and fearing that you may
have heard through the newspapers of our reported
distress for want of provisions, etc., which we find
prevailing here, I hasten to write the first moment
after our anchoring. We have had two severe storms,
one very severe, but Almighty God, who has ever
watchfully preserved me, has brought us into safety,
and we are now so grateful that we think lightly of the
dangers we have passed. I can never forget it, as I was
aware at the time of the danger we were in, and
placed my reliance on the only Power which could
save us.
The first person who came on board to see me was
Adjt. Austine; he gave me all the news. Lts. Steptoe
and Judd have returned to this place from an ex-
pedition about fifty miles to the north a few days since.
There are now three companies of the 3rd Arty, here
quartered in the city — the Company I bring makes
the third. You see that I am fortunate again, as the
barracks are excellent. Poor Maj. Whiting is to go
into camp — joining Lt. Capron's Company to three
others already here. Genl. Patterson arrived yester-
day with his Division. Our two companies raise the
force now here to a fraction over 7000 men — a very
respectable force. Genl. Worth is reported to be on
his way with all the regulars from the Monterey
Army; Genl. Twiggs came with Genl. Patterson; Genl.
14 An Artillery Officer
Shields was here, but left yesterday for old Tampico
— a few miles hence.
Genl. Taylor had advanced as far as Victoria, and
was ordered back to Saltillo or Monterey. Genl.
Scott is expected in about a week. What we are then
to do, no one knows. Rumor says that the City of
Vera Cruz is to be taken — that Genl. Taylor is to ad-
vance towards San Luis de Potosi, to keep Santa Anna
in check, whilst Genl. Scott takes Vera Cruz — the
invincible Castle of San Juan d'Ulua will not be at-
tacked. When the city is taken, it must fall, as our
Navy win cut off their supplies by sea, and the Army
in possession of Vera Cruz will prevent succor by land.
An English gentleman who arrived from Vera Cruz
yesterday reports that there are not more than 4000
troops in Vera Cruz, and that if the city is approached
by an army of 5000 or 6000 American troops, it will
surrender without a struggle.
Of Mexican news the reports are contradictory;
one is that the Congress consents to renewing diplo-
matic relations with our Govt, by a vote of 300 to 250 ;
another report, that they decide against renewing these
relations, by that vote. It is stated, however, that the
Mexican Congress have enacted a law requiring the
priesthood to assist the Govt, with money — and this
law will produce a revolution which may lead to
peace. After I get on shore I will write you a more con-
nected letter than this — I merely give you the floating
rumors in this.
Our cousin Saml. Anderson came to see me soon
after we anchored. He looks very well and says that
all are deHghted with their position here ; the market
is very good — an abimdant supply of everything, and
at very reasonable rates. What think you of teal
In Mexico 15
ducks fifty cents per dozen ! — common ducks twelve and
one-half cents a pair. These were the prices asked
when the troops first came here — now they are a little
higher. The town, in which I have not yet been, looks
very well from our boat. The streets are well paved,
and the houses well built — the large have courtyards
enclosed by them. A splendid house is being fitted
up for Genl. Scott.
Capt. P. is here; he is Sutler and Postmaster; if he
keeps steady, he will soon make a fortxme. His nephew,
David Wells, arrived yesterday. Col. Gates is, I am
told, looking very well. Drs. Hawkins and McLean are
both here. Lt. H. Brown is also here. Brig. Genl.
Shields has attached him to his Staff. Adjt. Austine
told me that Col. Gates would at once apply for Mr.
Brown to be assigned to my Company. I would be
very happy to have Lt. B. again. We are fortunate
in getting all the men here in pretty good health.
Corp. Hannel has a slight touch of the jaundice.
One German sang every mild night of our passage over.
I find the band of the 3rd Arty, here, also the bands of
three other Regts. They alternate in playing on the Plaza
every night. Your first letter will, I hope, give me f^ill
news. What would I not give to be one half hour with
you ! I will, however, apply myself closely to my duties,
and do all that in me lies to bring this war to a close.
Do always write me fully; your letters may be sent
to me, Tampico, Mexico, via New Orleans. As this is
now a United States city, it will not be necessary to pay
the postage on your letters. My heart leaped with
pride when I saw the United States flag flying over the
City of Tampico, but that pride was soon checked
when I thought of the power of the United States, and
the weakness of Mexico. God grant that peace may
i6 An Artillery Officer
soon be effected. This letter is so badly written that
I will not attempt to cross it. I pray you to bum it as
soon as you have read it.
No. I. Tampico, Mexico,
January 27, 1847.
I moved to-day, Wednesday, 27th of Jany., into very
good quarters near the principal Plaza of the City. I
hope that the Company will soon get on their land legs,
and become again decent to be looked upon. I paid my
respects to-day to Brig. Genl. Patterson — fovmd him
very affable and gentlemanly. He thinks that we have a
sufficient force now assembled in and near the City to
take Vera Cruz, and is very anxiously expecting Genl.
Scott daily. Genl. Worth is, he says, on his way to this
place.
We have already more rank than I ever saw together —
Major Genl. Patterson, Brig. Generals Twiggs, Pillow,
Quitman, and Shields, Genl. Patterson being the Genl.
of this Division of the Army. Volunteers raised for the
war are hourly expected. Those who are now here are,
at this time, indulging somewhat freely in frolicking, as
a reward, I suppose, for the abstemiousness necessarily
practised during their long marches. Your old friend,
Yawn, joins Genl. Patterson's Military family to-mor-
row as clerk. He conducts himself so well that it gives
me pleasure to advance his interests. I spoke to Genl.
Patterson to-day about him, mentioned under what
circumstances he enlisted, the estimation in which he
was held by the business men of Charleston, etc.
Breakfasted with Capt. Myers, and a friend or two
at a cafe — fried fish, venison steak, eggs, buckwheat
cakes, fried bananas, and coffee, all neatly served and
well cooked. Dined at the same house with a mess —
MAJOn-GENERftL ROBERT PATTEHSON
In Mexico 17
Drs. Harney, Satterlee, and Cuyler — soup, baked fish,
broiled and roasted duck (excellent) with lettuce
salad, Irish and sweet potatoes. From these bills of
fare (omitting, as I do, an excellent bottle of cham-
pagne at dinner) you will find that there is no danger of
my starving. Were you here, I could live as happily
and comfortably as at any other place.
Miss Chase, the lady (Irish) who distinguished her-
self by raising the American flag as our Navy was com-
ing up to town (three miles) from the bar, has invited
Mrs. Col. Gates to come and take a room at her house.
The Col. has sent the invitation but does not know
whether she will come or not. I would not experience
the anxiety I should entertain at the idea of your be-
ing on your way to this place for anything in this
world. The Col. writes her that he will probably leave
this place before she can get here.
Intending to write you daily, I will now close this
day's letter by wishing you good-night.
Thursday, January 28, 1847.
To-day I dined with Maj. Morris, Chef de police de
Tampico. He deserves very great credit for his un-
tiring zeal and attention to his duties. His authority
is necessarily very extensive, all being subject to his
supervision. Yesterday he sent a Capt. and Lt. of
Voltinteers to the guard-house. He orders any house
where there is rioting or unnecessary noise to be in-
stantly closed, and his authority is undisputed. To-
day I am Officer of the Day, and have the right of
exercising nearly all the above mentioned authority,
but as my plan and desire is, to prevent rather than
to suppress, I have already stopped by timely advice
one or two incipient cases of riotous conduct.
i8 An Artillery Officer
10:30. Just returned from the American Theatre,
which I had to visit as Officer of the Day — heard "O'er
the Mountain Brow" melodiously sung by the favorite
of the night. There were plenty of good subjects for a
row, but the fear of the bayonets of the Guard who were
present kept them moderately quiet. On my return,
I passed round and found the town unusually still.
Another Norther — as the storms from that direction
are called — ^is now screaming its approach. The term
screaming is strictly applicable to the storm as it ex-
erted its fiuy on our vessel whilst under its influence
at sea. No news from Genl. Scott or from the northern
portion of the Army. Saw Genl. Persifer Smith to-day
— he is looking very well.
I THINK OF CIRCULATING A PETITION TO CONGRESS
RELATIVE TO ARMY ASYLUM, as we have now a very
large portion of the Regular Officers within a few
miles of this City, and I find I have active friends
in each Camp who would take pleasure in aiding me.
I have been looking round for something for you, but
have seen nothing very rare or nice.
Friday, January 29, 1847.
To-day I marched fifty of the 3rd to the Camp of
the 2nd Arty, when under the command of Capt.
McKenzie, we rehearsed the ceremony of receiving
Genl. Scott hourly expected from Brazos. I play the
second fiddle — the escort of honor is composed of 200
men. Genl. Pillow's Brigade has moved its camp nearer
town — sorry for it, as we shall have an additional
number of the boys to keep in order.
I have just returned from dining with our friend,
H. Brown. We had an agreeable party and a very
In Mexico 19
5 7
good dinner. Guests: Genl. Shields, Adjt. Austine, Dr.
36 2
Hawkins, Lt. Lovell, and Capt. Anderson. Hosts (or
I 8
Mess) : Col. Kinney (Texan Danl. Boone) , Lt. Brown
and Lt. Collins. I will not describe the dinner, as it was
an American, not a Mexican dinner. Col. Kinney is an
extraordinary man, and probably knows more of the
Mexican character than any one with the Army. I was
rejoiced to find no animosity in his conversation towards
the Mexican common people, which I expected from
him as the Texan Ranger; on the contrary he concurs
with me in sympathizing with them. Genl. Shields is
the "Commissioner of the Land Office," and a devoted
friend of the President. I think that i have in him
A GOOD FRIEND OF THE ARMY ASYLUM. A few SUch
men will carry the measure through Congress. I am
to give him a copy of the Bill. No. 3 looks as though
he was not quite so sedate as when Nancy was with
him. No. 4 is A. D. C. to No. 5. No. 6 is the son of
the late Surgeon-Genl., and the young gentleman you
saw at Old Point. No. 8 received me very warmly.
I learned from conversation at the table that some of
the principal men of this part of the Country are now
considering whether they shall not at once raise a
Mexican force, attach themselves to our Army, and
declare at once against the Govt., either holding out the
flag of annexation, or of a separate Govt, imder the
protection of ours. Thus far it seems that our course
here has conciliated the inhabitants, and it may lead
20 An Artillery Officer
to important results. All think that if the troops
were withdrawn in a short time even, that their pre-
sence and the attending introduction of our goods at a
rate so much cheaper than the poor Mexicans have
ever before purchased them, with the swarm of enter-
prising Yankees introduced into the Country, will event-
ually produce, inevitably, the downfall of the Spanish
influence. A Mexican is said to have arrived this day
with important news from the interior. .1 have not
heard whether the rumor be true or false.
As a mail is to go to New Orleans to-morrow morning,
I shall close this letter to-night. One month and
three days (five weeks) have gone since I saw you —
and I have not one word from you. 'T is not your
fault as I know that you write constantly — too fre-
quently for your health I fear. You must, I entreat
you, be careful of yourself. Could I only be assured by
one word that you were well, how warmly I would
thank our Heavenly Father — as it is, I must rely upon
His protecting mercies for what He has done, with an
earnest hope that He has, and does, still guard and
provide for my darling wife.
How you would enjoy what I scarcely now hear,
though playing near my Quarters, the bands of the ist,
2nd, and 3rd Regts. Arty. — the band of the 4th has not
yet arrived. One band is now playing — they alternate
in playing every other night.
A mail arrived this evening from New Orleans via
Brazos — it brought nothing for me but a Volume of
Tactics from Washington. I cannot learn that any
news of Genl. Scott's movements was received. All
are in the dark here — eagerly, anxiously looking for
his arrival. No one knows who his Staff Officers are
to be. It seems to be expected that Congress will
In Mexico 21
give him another Asst. Adjt. Genl., and that he will
not deprive either of the Genls. now in the field of
theirs. I see no good reason for this suggestion as he
can call very properly for either of them, and let these
Genls. select Lts. to perform the duties of A. A. Genl.
in their Military Families. I find that I have been un-
intentionally led into a Military discussion. A truce
with all such stuff.
You have a right to expect from me some remarks
upon the Mexicans, but as yet I have seen nothing of
them except of the lower class, who differ very little
in social position from our slaves. They work for us,
unload our vessels, assist in throwing up embankments
to the fortifications around Tampico, etc. ; in fact, they
seem to evince no dissatisfaction at our presence.
You must know that our troops have been busily
engaged ever since their arrival in fortifying the town,
as in the event of the movement of the Army from
this place a garrison sufficiently large to defend the
City will be left here. Each Regt. hopes that it will
not have to remain. Col. Bankhead is on his way out
— he cannot be fit to go into the field, and would
make a very respectable Governor. Major Whitney
cannot go into the field. I am rejoiced to hear that
he has been assigned to quarters in the City.
Our flagstaff is planted in the centre of the plat-
form on which it was intended to erect a monument to
Santa Anna. To what strange uses are the vain pur-
poses of man sometimes applied! I will here narrate
an anecdote connected with the raising of our flag here,
which was told at dinner to-day. An old Mexican
about ninety, when it was raised, observed to a man
standing near him: "Well, I am not sorry to see that
flag going up. That flag has been my ruin. I came
22 An Artillery Officer
from Spain, and I was then young, and was sent into
Louisiana; that flag came and I then went into
Florida; in a few years the same flag came, and I
then came to this place expecting never to be disturbed
by it again. But there it is — the same flag, the same
people." This was substantially the comment of the
old Spaniard, and evidences in a few words the aston-
ishing increase and growing power of our Country.
God grant that it may be all for the best.
As I intend writing you a letter every day so as to
give you a bulletin by each of your weekly mails, I
shall now close this letter that it may leave in the mail
of to-morrow, as I do not know when I shall have an-
other opportunity. Do write me how you are. I will
not close without saying that I have entirely recovered
from my sea-sickness, and that I can now relish very
well a good dinner.
No. 2. Tampico, Mexico,
January 29 and 30, 1847.
I have this moment (9 p.m.), returned from a
dinner given by the officers of the 2nd Infy. to
those of the 2nd Arty. Though feeling very little like
dining out to-day, I thought I could not refuse the in-
vitation, as it would enable me to become acquainted
with many young officers of those Regts. whom I did
not know. The dinner was abundant and pretty well
cooked, but it was not served in the home style always
indicating the supervisory care of woman. Genl.
Patterson was the principal guest and gave us speeches
enough to last for half a dozen dinners. What he said
was very well, but too much of it for a festive board.
Compliments were bandied from the Regts. — the hosts
and the guests, and many witty, and some very smart
In Mexico 23
speeches were made. When Genl. Taylor and some
others of the Mexican conquerors were toasted, the
utmost enthusiasm prevailed. Good old Genl. Brady
was warmly toasted. No toast was given to Worth —
and none, except one not understood by one half at
the table, was given to Genl. Scott, until towards the
close of the dinner, and that one was very coldly re-
ceived. Genl. S. is not known and is therefore un-
appreciated by these gentlemen. I venture, however,
to predict that at the close of the first campaign tmder
him, these same gentlemen will warm at the mention of
his name. I rejoice at his approach.
Genl. Taylor feels hurt, I fear, at Genl. Scott's hav-
ing stripped him of most of the Regulars with whom
he has won so much glory; he should, however, re-
flect that Genl. Scott's success is a national, not a
personal one. We learn this evening that Genl.
Worth has arrived at the Brazos with his Brigade.
It is probable that we shall not see him here, as we
presume that his command will concentrate with the
Volunteers under orders for the seat of war at the
Lobos Islands — about forty or fifty miles to the south of
this place — where it is said that the vessels will have
safe anchorage. Good-night, etc.
Sunday, 31st.
It is so late, that I can write you only a few
lines before retiring. The Sloop of War, Albany,
arrived this morning from Vera Cruz with Lt. Rains
(Old Point acquaintance) on board with dispatches from
Commodore Conner for Genl. Scott. Lt. Rains was,
I understand, in the City of Vera Cruz — there are about
1500 men in the City and 800 in the Castle. Troops
may be safely landed under the protection of the guns
24 An Artillery Officer
of our Fleet, about three miles from Vera Cruz, when
the City may be taken without exposure to the fire
of the Castle d'Ulua. The City is not defended, or
defended badly, from a land attack, and must readily
fall. The Castle would of course follow.
From all that I can learn, it seems that Santa Anna
can not succeed in exciting the common Mexicans
against us — the kind treatment received from us con-
trasts so forcibly with the harsh conduct of the Mexi-
can officers and officials as to operate very much in
our favor. Many contend that we ought to live on the
country to make them feel the horrors of war, and that
then they will sue for peace. Perhaps not. It may be
that a change of policy on our part would excite the
common people so much, as to make resistance to the
death a cardinal principle with them; hence would
result an enthusiasm which woidd render the country
vmconquerable. Every City and Town might then fall
before the force of our Arms, and still we would meet
with enemies in every mountain recess, and behind
every bum. Good-night. God bless you.
Monday, February ist.
Tampico is a very pretty town — ^but its people
do not look like any you ever saw. Everything
here would look strange to you. The men wear large
palmetto hats, or broad brimmed and high black
polished hats with brass knobs on them, which they
think make them look pretty. They wear blankets
thrown over their shoulders — some of these blankets
are of very rich colors and cost as much as $60 for one.
The people here would make you feel sorry for them,
if you could see what heavy loads they carry on their
backs. They have a strap, passing oyer the top of
In Mexico 25
the forehead, which is fastened at each end to a thick
soft pad which rests on the shoidders — this pad keeps
the heavy things from htirting their shoulders. I
saw a small Mexican carrying, the other day, a barrel
fvill of loaf sugar. Four men will, with these pads,
carry very large boxes,' as big as your largest box —
the two men at the comers behind bend their heads
down so low that the box rests on the pads. Some of
the men wear very curious-looking pants — they have a
white pair made with very large legs; over this comes
another pair open on the outer seam almost all the way
up to the top.
You must not think that I do not get enough to eat
— oysters and fish are nearly as good as those at
Tampa. A fish called "barilla" is perhaps better
than those we had at Tampa. Oranges four for a
sixpence, wild geese twenty-five cents, ducks four
cents apiece, and very good they are — in the market
I find more kinds of peppers then I ever saw any-
where; one of the large peppers is called dulce, and the
skin has a sweet taste. I am getting seeds of the dif-
ferent kinds of peppers and beans I see. Every day
lettuce, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes (brought here),
tomatoes cultivated and wild, egg plants, and several
kinds of vegetables which do not grow in the places
where you have lived, are found in the Market. The
Mexicans sit down on the pavement in a large square,
and have their market goods near them. You might
buy a cup of chocolate in the Market and some nice
fresh rolls or cake, as they are always there for sale.
I can buy a nice little pony here, but it could not be
sent safely by water. The sea is so rough when it
blows strong from the north that the horses on board
ship are almost always badly hurt.
26 An Artillery Officer
Tuesday, Feb. and.
The newspapers give you so regularly and con-
stantly the last news from the Army, that it is hardly
worth while for me to chronicle events as they tran-
spire, or to detail rumors as they fly. Of rumors I
am too old a campaigner to repeat one twentieth of
what I hear. I shall generally give you only what
I know, or believe to be true, or think very probable.
This day has been peculiarly prolific in items of news
— the most important is the fact of the stranding of
a ship from New Orleans with Col. De Russy and four
Compys. of the Louisiana Vols, on board. The ship
is on shore thirty miles south of us. They saved most
of their guns, their tents, provisions, etc. and all the
men — one only was lost. Pack mules tmder an escort of
Cavalry will be sent down for them to-morrow.
Last evening some of the officers of the N. Y. Vols.
came up to town — they left N. Y. Jany. 4th, and came
here via Brazos, where they left Genl. Scott about five
days since. Their orders are to go as far south as the
Isles de Lobos, and anchoring, to remain till further
orders.
The anxiety increases daily in relation to Genl.
Scott. All want to see him — because all think that
Vera Cruz can be easily taken with the troops now here.
Genl. Scott wUl not move till his plans are well matured,
and will not strike a blow until he knows it will tell well.
Great anxiety is entertained here by Genl. Scott's
friends relative to a bill before Congress to make a
Lt. Genl., as we know it is aimed at Genl. S. and designed
to place some politician above him. If Genl. S. can
take the field with a strong force, carry Vera Cruz, and
compel its boasted Castle to surrender, and then estab-
lish himself safely in the interior across the mountains,
In Mexico 27
before the arrival of the Lt. Genl., his being superseded
will make him President, in spite of the manoeuvres of
politicians.
I rode this evening to the camp of Genl. Twiggs's
Brigade, about two and one half miles from town.
Their Camp is prettily situated on rolling ground,
with a very pretty water prospect. The Officers say
they cannot step into the woods outside without being
covered with ticks. Say to the Genl. that his old friend
Col. Riley desires to be particularly remembered to
him. Maj. McKee, a relation of Mrs. Clinch's, also
requested to be presented most warmly to the family.
As I feel a little fatigued after my ride, I shall now bid
you good-night.
Wednesday, Feb. 3rd.
Postmaster Perkins informs me that he expects to
send a mail to the United States to-morrow. I shall
then, instead of keeping this letter for another mail,
close and send it by that mail. I am more anxious
that you should hear from me by every opportunity
now, as I fear that when we leave this place, it will
be impossible for me to write as regularly as I now
do, and that the chances of commimication with
New Orleans will be very much decreased.
Not a line yet from my wife — as there has been no
mail direct from New Orleans since my arrival, none
could have arrived. And yet it is hard that just at
this time when I am so anxious to get a letter, the
mail should be so much behind. To-morrow will, I
hope, bring us a vessel from New Orleans with the
mail. Dr. Cuyler says that he hears from his wife
more regularly than any one else here, because he has
his letters sent imder cover to Col. T. F. Himt, Deputy
28 An Artillery Officer
Q. M. Genl., New Orleans. Mrs. C. pays the postage
to New Orleans and Col. H. forwards them. Do try
this plan; it may, and I hope will succeed with us.
With a good Postmaster in New Orleans, there would
be no use for any other than the ordinary direction
on the letter, but he, it is said, has some inattentive
persons in the office.
We heard from the interior to-day, that about six
hundred Mexicans were defeated near the Paso del
Norte by four hundred of Genl. Kearney's troops.
This you probably heard a week ago, as it is said to
have taken place more than a month ago. We hear not
a word about the doings of the Mexican Congress — their
not acting precipitately augurs that they consider the
question of peace or war one on which they will
reflect — that they have not met with the determina-
tion to prosecute it at all hazards. Nothing from
Genl. Scott. An escort was sent down this morning
with pack mules to Col. De Russy's conamand — they
will join us in about four days.
The band of the 4th Arty, is now playing your old
favorite "Love not " — some musicians with the very in-
struments to which we have listened together. What
emotions throng to my heart — God grant that we may
again enjoy — and now they are playing "Oft in the
Stilly Night" — I can write no more till they have fin-
ished. I think I can safely promise that this war being
over, nothing save the most imperious necessity will ever
separate me from my family except for short periods.
Before closing, I may as well give you a little insight
into my household arrangements. Behold me then
seated before the old Company desk in my parlor of
24 by 16 feet — the walls about 30 ft. high and 2 ft.
thick, the piazza in front paved with marble.
In Mexico 29
Having described my parlor, I will enter no further into
details about my drawing-room and bedroom, than to
say that exactly the same description verbatim ei litera-
tim will answer for them. I am still messing with Doc-
tors Harney and Cuyler one square from my Quarters.
In a day or two we intend changing to a Frenchman
who is said to keep a better table. I have not yet found
a servant, though Dr. C. told me to-day of one who
would go with me. Derr is attending to my few wants
now — we get on very well.
I must invite some friends to assist in eating the fine
jar of oysters you made me bring. I opened my Mess
chest to-day and found them in excellent order. I
omitted mentioning in my last letters that the married
men are well — indeed there are none but slight cases of
indisposition in the Compy. The houses here have no
fireplaces — the Mexicans you find sleeping under the
piazzas, or in the open square every night, having
merely wrapped themselves up in their blankets which
they always wear, using their hats as pillows and at the
same time covers to their heads.
I omitted stating the other day that I had seen
Maj. Buchanan; he commands the Baltimore Vols.,
who, they do say here, behaved most cowardly at
Monterey; their Commander, Col. Watson — a brave
man — was sixty yards ahead of his men when he fell.
As I must put this letter in the mail to-night, I must
now close. Give my love to all the family.
No. 3. Tampico, Feb. 4th.
Is it not too tantalizing, that a vessel has just arrived
from New Orleans in seven days without having brought
the mail. Not even a newspaper did the stupid dolt
bring. He deserves not to hear from his family for a
30 An Artillery Officer
year. And to think that he might have brought me
news from you as late as the 15th of last month! That
is indeed a long time back, but still how delighted I
should be to hear from you as late as that. I really
am so much out of patience that I cannot write. But
as I cannot omit writing a single evening whilst I can
do so, you must make all excuses for me this evening.
This day has been nearly barren of rumors and reports
— the newsmongers seem to have exhausted all their
powers of invention during the last two days. To-day I
have been in company with some of the distinguished
of the battle of Monterey, and am sorry to say that their
want of modesty detracted very much from my estima-
tion of their deeds. No one admires courage more than
I do, but I always regret to hear the hero trumpeting his
own fame — however weak the blast may be, it had
better been left for other lungs to swell the strain.
All agree, however, in representing Genl. Taylor as
perfectly cool and collected during the fight — they say
that he exposed himself unnecessarily — that he was
frequently in the advance when he might have left the
duty of reconnoitring to others. The Genl. preferred
perhaps to look with his own eyes. Ampudia is repre-
sented as both drunkard and coward.
The band, it must be the 3rd, is now playing that
medley you remember — "Some Love to Roam," "Love
not," etc. They play better than I ever heard them.
I can scarcely think it is our band, and yet in some parts
the instruments sound very much like those of the
3rd did in olden times at Fort Moultrie. Now they
play the old American Museum tune. How well do I
remember the many evenings you have heard those
notes when we were so happy together. Memory is to
me a very great blessing— with some sad thoughts,
In Mexico 31
she presents me many bright and happy ones. These
continue through life to present to me occasionally the
panorama of Ufe's acts, and of my mind's thoughts and
hopes. Good-night. I can write no more to-night.
Feb. 5th. A mail from New Orleans, but bringing no
letter from you — to-morrow it is said that we are to have
a large mail left behind somewhere with later dates
than those brought to-day. Then assuredly I shall hear
from you — I shall indulge at all events in that sweet
hope till the mail comes. I hear that Genl. Scott is
to be here next week. On reflecting upon what may
be the state of affairs at Vera Cruz I do not see why
it may not be better to remain where we are until we
can get a battery of heavy battering guns, a siege train
— as it may be that we shall have good uses for it.
The newspapers, months ago, stated that our friend
Capt. Huger was to sail about the ist of Jany. with one
hundred men well instructed in the management of
mortars and heavy howitzers, which he was to bring
with him. He may perhaps be now to the south of us.
No one can tell who is to remain as Governor of Tam-
pico. As Col. Gates had the honor of landing the first
detachments of troops here, it may be his ill fortune,
but we hope that the 3rd will not be kept with him.
As yesterday was pay day for the Compy. I have been
pretty busy to-day settling accounts, sending off checks,
etc. By the bye, I think it will probably be advisable
for me to send some of my sturplus funds to you. The
amount will not be so large as to endanger your safety
in keeping it — nor have I any very great fears of your
becoming purse proud in consequence of its possession.
Entre nous, I saw a letter of Genl. Worth's to-day,
dated Nov. 23rd extolling Genl. Taylor in the highest
32 An Artillery Officer
manner. I have no doubt of Genl. T's richly deserving
the encomium and hope Genl. W. may not, from a fit
of passion, alter his opinions. That Genl. Scott will
place Worth in every position where distinction can
be won, I am stue, and I fear that this partiality may
not be acceptable to others in the Army who will wish
to share honors with the gallant — I presume we may
now say — Major General. I find that I am encroaching
on to-morrow's sheet. God bless you and keep you
in happiness and in health.
Feb. 6th. Another night and day have passed since
we have talked together, and no mail has come with a
letter from home — where you two are, is my heart's
home. Dr. Cuyler and myself have talked so much
to-day of our family feelings, as to make me, I fear,
a very poor correspondent for my to-night's letter.
Monday, Feb. 8th, 9 130 a.m.
Rumors have been received from several soiu'ces dur-
ing yesterday and the day before, that the Mexicans were
surrounding the Command of Col. De Russy, which I
mentioned in my last letter as having been wrecked
about thirty-five miles to the southward yesterday
morning. Lt. Magruder was sent down to see what the
Command was doing. After his departirre reports were
received to the effect that Col. De Russy was attacked
by Genl. Coss and 980 men, and that Capt. Brooks, sent
to him with supplies, was also engaged — that the attack
commenced on the 4th and that so great was the dis-
parity of the force (Col. De Russy having very few
muskets, and no flints) that there was every probability
that they had been captured or cut off by the Mexicans.
Genl. Patterson about sunset last evening ordered two
In Mexico 33
Companies to embark. Col. Gates placed me in com-
mand of the Companies selected and directed me to re-
port to Genl. Patterson for orders. I called on him and
received orders to proceed in an armed schooner down
the coast to reconnoitre the position occupied by Col.
De Russy, to afford him and the troops sent to his
relief every assistance if they can be foimd — assuming,
when I join them, the command of the Arty. Compys. (4).
If I find no persons where the vessel was wrecked, I am
to examine the ground to see if an engagement has taken
place — then to proceed south to a small town, Tamagua,
near the Islands, where our forces are to concentrate.
We met on the bar this morning the steamboat
which took Lt. Magruder down, and attempted to
communicate with it, but failing to do so, and knowing
how important it was that we should not go off on a
wild goose chase, I determined to recross the bar, and
dispatch an officer to Genl. Patterson, to mention the
state of facts, and to ask his instructions. We are in
fact better inside the bar than being at sea, as
the wind is dead ahead and we should be drifted by
the strong current to the north here. I expect the
officer back in an hour — when I think it probable we
shall be ordered to retiurn to Tampico.
My Compy. was not selected because of its con-
taining so large a number of recruits. Poor fellows,
many of them appeared very anxious to go. I will here
stop tmtil the rettirn of Lt. Beckwith — the officer sent.
Our cousin Lt. Anderson commands one of the Compys.,
and Lt. Wyse the other one on board this vessel — which
is the schooner Ella now under the charge of Midship-
man Smith. Midshipman Maury is with him. The
two companies muster about 140 men — enough to whip
500 Mexicans in fair fight.
34 An Artillery Officer
My own Quarters in Tampico, 8 : 30 p.m.
As I expected, Genl. Patterson sent orders for me to
return with my Command ; on arriving I immediately
reported to him at his Quarters, and gave him my
reasons ; he approved of my course and directed me to
order the companies to their quarters.
The Genl.'s statement of the events reported to him
by the oiBcer who came up from Col. De Russy's troops
is this. On Thursday Genl. Coss summoned Col.
De R. to surrender — to the second note the Col. replied
that he wanted till 9 o'clock the next morning to con-
sider the demand. Night soon came on and early
in the night the Col. took up the line of march leaving
his tents standing, with candles burning in them. By
daylight the next morning he had marched about twenty
miles. He then met Lt. Miller with his party, and a
few miles farther he received the Compys. under Lt.
Magruder which were landed from the steamboat we
met this morning on the Bar. He then felt himself
so secure that he determined to report his position to
Genl. Patterson who he thought might send him
reinforcements sufficient to authorize his attacking
Genl. Coss. This Genl. Patterson declines doing, as
from the nature of the country the chances are that
Genl. Coss would escape without the possibility of being
caught by our troops. Col. De Russy has been ordered
to join our forces. This ends this expedition.
We expect soon to sail for Vera Cruz as we hear this
evening that transports are arriving at Brazos from New
Orleans. Those ordered to this place may be soon ex-
pected. An officer of the Navy arrived this evening four
days from Vera Cruz — he reports that there are only 4000
troops in the City. You will see, I fear, before this
reaches you, an account of my having been sent out on
In Mexico 35
what will be called undoubtedly a perilous expedi-
tion. You have all the facts above and will learn how
to appreciate such reports. Editors must of course
manufacture interesting paragraphs for their papers.
Tuesday night, Feb. 9th.
Col. De Russy and his Command arrived this after-
i noon. Nothing was seen of Genl. Coss after Col. De R.'s
leaving his camp. No mail yet from New Orleans — ^it
does seem that we are never to get a mail. Whilst I
was absent the other day I looked forward to my return
to Tampico with the greatest pleasure, because I
hoped, till I was almost certain, that there would be a
mail — that I should find a letter from you. You will
nearly have received my first letters from this place
and I have not received one of the many letters which
I know you have written. It is too bad.
We hear a rumor to-day that Genl. Santa Anna is
marching all his forces to crush Genl. Taylor. It may
be true but I do not credit the report. If he makes
the attempt, although Genl. Taylor has not many
Regulars with him, he will prove a very ugly customer,
and again if he moves with all his forces to Monterey,
he leaves the road to San Luis and the City of Mexico
open to one part of the Army, and even success against
Genl. Taylor — hardly a supposable thing — will not atone
for the injury we shall inflict on him by cutting him
off from the Capital, and our obtaining and securing
possession of the tablelands, the garden of Mexico,
where alone an Army can be subsisted in the Republic.
Genl. Scott, who is still at the Brazos, will soon be
informed of this movement of Santa Anna if it be made,
and will at once give Genl. Taylor such additional re-
inforcements as to secure him in his possession. We
36 An Artillery Officer
must not suffer any reverses in this war. Not a man
must be surrendered to the Mexicans. Fortunate was
it for us that an ex-Army officer was in command of
the wrecked Louisianians, as a raw volunteer would have
been very likely to have surrendered under similar cir-
cumstances — at least he would not have thought of es-
caping by a ruse. How foolish Genl. Coss must have
felt on approaching the empty tents!
I was introduced this afternoon to Col. Jackson of the
Georgia troops. He is said to be one of the best of the
Volunteer Officers in the Army. Col. Baker, member
of Congress from' Illinois, was pointed out last night
to me — I saw him seated in a crowd — he looked like a
regular electioneering hero. I did not think so highly
of his speech in Congress, just before his leaving
Washington, as many of his Volunteer friends do.
Regular vote-asking — praising the Volunteers to the
skies. Nearly all the Volunteers are encamped on a
very extensive plain just below the City where they
have room enough to drill. It is a level piece of land,
overflowed in the Spring, extending about two miles
along the river bank, and from a quarter to a mile broad.
Having obtained some few articles of clothing for the
"G's, " I am just beginning to take them out of the
yard. To-day I marched them down to the plain,
where I gave them a good drill.
Extremely desirous of not missing the mail, I will now
close begging to be remembered most affectionately to
Genl. C. and all at home. That our Heavenly Father
will secure your present and eternal happiness and
soon restore me to you is my constant prayer.
No. 4. Tampico, Feb. 10, 1847.
No boat can come, nor can any boat go, during the
In Mexico 37
time when the "Northers" are blowing here, and vessels
that are at anchor outside the bar, at the mouth of the
river, have frequently to get under sail in so great a
hurry that they have not time to raise their anchors.
These high winds do not generally continue, the
residents say, longer than the middle of this month.
No news has been received to-day from any quarter.
I saw Col. De Russy to-day, but had no time for con-
versation with him ; he looks very well. The Mississippi
troops, reported to be suffering very severely from a
malignant dysentery, who were off the bar yesterday,
must have been blown to sea by the storm.
I shall send you by mail a No. of the Tampico
Sentinel. It is conducted by one of the Editors Lums-
den, of the New Orleans Picayune. You will find men-
tion made of some movements alluded to in my letters,
and full accounts of some particulars to which I have
not alluded. In fact the Editor has to make the most
of the few incidents which happen in our midst, where
nothing is done but "drill" and look out for the mail.
To-day I have been engaged as President of a Court
trying some soldiers. The big Sergeant, as you used
to call him, was before us. He could not resist temp-
tation and took one more than the authorized frolic.
I overlooked the first frolic all, or nearly all, had on
landing. I find my military frock so warm that I am
getting another drap-d'-ete one made. A franco-
espagnol mulatto promises to make me one that will fit
me well.
My old friend Dr. Harney was quite unwell last
night; he feels better to-day, but I fear he may have a
very bad time — a severe fit of sickness. The Dr. has
reached that period of life when the constitution has
frequently a severe struggle with the arch enemy. Dr.
38 An Artillery Officer
Wright says that if the Dr. survives this attack the
chances are that he will be in feeble health for about a
year, and that then he will enjoy a green old age.
The Drs. are making arrangements to establish a Mess,
and Dr. Harney insists upon my living with them as a
guest. I told him that he must let me pay my portion
of the Mess bill, and that I would join them with
pleasure.
Genl. Scott will not, I presume, allow us to mess
here much longer. What would I not give to know
that at this moment you were well. With how much
more alacrity and zeal could I attend to my duties,
had I but that knowledge daily ! My men, even, must
find me much changed, and I expect wish you were
here as I am much more rigid with them than I was at
Tampa. God grant that this ill-fated war may soon
be closed and that I may again see my wife. Good-
night.
Feb. nth.
The wind has abated, but the waves are so high that
boats can neither come in nor go out. I fear that
there will be no possible chance of a mail's coming in
before Sunday. If one comes I must certainly hear
from you. Major Whiting found a letter here from
Mrs. W. — she writes, he tells me, in fine spirits. The
Major wiU soon break down — his Command are in
tents — he is quartered in town.
I went to the Court House for the first time this
morning to hear Col. Baker of IlHnois, M. C, and Col.
Jackson of Savannah. Col. B. is acting as Prosecuting
Attorney, and Col. J. appears for the prisoner — an
American arraigned for the murder of another Ameri-
can. The Georgia gentleman is not sufficiently cool
In Mexico 39
for his antagonist, who is very calm, and a much abler
man in debate. The Court is composed of three Amer-
ican citizens, and has been organized by the order of
Genl. Shields whilst in command here- for the trial of
all civil and criminal offences. I am not sufficiently
conversant with the "custom of war in like cases," con-
sequently am not quite certain if the Comdg. Genl. is
vested properly with any authority to constitute
Coiirts, appoint judges, etc. The question may be
brought before Congress. I do not thini:, if they find
the man guilty, they can ventture to hang him. The
Coiirt must feel morally certain that they are legally
authorized to act, or in case of the reverse, they would
be guilty of murder were they to have the man hung.
It is now cold enough for a fire — if it continues as cold
to-morrow, I must purchase an earthen pot, and have
a charcoal fire in my quarters. We have a report to-
day that Santa Anna has been declared Dictator. This
can hardly be true as the people are already disaffected,
it is said, towards him and he is too shrewd to risk
popularity of so high-handed a measirre. Having en-
croached on my to-morrow's page, I will now bid you
good-night.
Friday night, 12th.
To-day the weather has been uncomfortably cold —
sufficiently so to make sitting by a fire very comfortable.
I have spent the greater part of the afternoon with
my friends the Doctors, where there is the only fire-
place I have seen in Tampico. This cold weather
reconciles me to my position in the City. I have,
ever since my arrival, been urging the Adjt. to
induce Genl. Shields to send me into one of the camps.
Last night and to-day I feel exceedingly gratefid for
40 An Artillery Officer
the privilege of being in comfortable quarters, and
subscribe that what is, is for the best, is very good
doctrine.
We hear to-day of the capture of Capt. Cassius M.
Clay and his Company of Cavalry by the Mexicans.
Capt. Clay had seventy, the Mexicans were said to
have been 1500 strong. The newspapers will doubtless
give you more particulars than we have now, as it
reaches us through the Mexican papers. Per contra, our
troops to-day have captured 500 head of cattle. They
are still greatly in our debt, and we will soon, we hope,
balance the account.
The august Court of Tampico, Chief Justice Capers,
ex-Sutler 8th Infy., and Associate Justice Lumsden of
the Picayune are engaged in trying a Mexican for
the murder of the American mentioned in my yester-
day's letter. The American first arraigned for the
murder is to be tried as an accessory to the murder
if the Mexican is convicted, as it is said that he got the
Mexican to kill him. Col. Baker appeared as pro-
secutor in the case of the Mexican, and the jury
(probably the first one impanelled in Mexico) will, I
think, find the man guilty. The jury is composed of
American citizens. I am sorry they did not give him
a jury consisting in part of his own countrymen. It
woiild have a better appearance. It would have been
well to have associated one of the Alcaldes with otir
Judges. The Mexicans were watching the trial with
great interest.
To-morrow we are to commence Messing. Dr.
Harney and I are to look in at the market occasionally
to see that the servants do not cheat us too much in
the prices. The Dr. is much better, but says that he
will take another dose of calomel to-night.
In Mexico 41
My letter No. 3, was, I am told, sent on board a
vessel which went down to the mouth of the river this
morning. I fear, however, that the bar has been too
rough for any vessel to go out, and that it will be de-
layed one day longer in reaching you. I think I shall
venture some more Treasury Notes in this letter. I
may be robbed some day or night when I am out of my
Quarters, and the chances of their being lost in being
sent by letter are so few that I think it best to send
them. Others I find are doing the same thing. Were
I certain that Col. Andrews or any other Paymaster
is to remain at Charleston, I would send on my pay
accounts, as the safest way of sending funds; but Col.
Andrews may by this time be under orders for the Army.
Good-night.
Saturday, 13th.
Another long, long day and no mail. A vessel
came in from Baltimore, but brings us nothing
later than papers to the 19th Jany. We are indeed out
of the U. S. Tampa Bay we used to consider far enough
out of the U. S. — so far out that the mail was exceedingly
irregular, but this is rather worse. To be sure I was
not quite so deeply interested in the arrivals of the mail
there as I am here.
To-night there is every appearance of a Norther;
should it come on to-morrow, we may not have a mail
for three days. I will however indulge in the hope that
we shall be made happy on to-morrow by hearing good
news from our families. How truly will it be a day of
rejoicing to me if I receive one of your letters telling
me of your safe arrival at the Refuge' and saying that
» Genl. Clinch's plantation. General Clinch's wife's father, John
Houstoun Mackintosh, owned Ft. George Island, near the mouth of
42 An Artillery Officer
you were well and in good spirits about me. I shall do
admirably well if I can only hear from you now and then
and know that you are well.
Sunday night.
Thank God the mail brought me to-day a letter
from you. It was your letter from the Withlacoochee
bearing the Tampa Bay postmark of Jany. 19th. I had
hoped to receive a letter from you after your arrival at
the Refuge. But I am thankful, very thankful, for this
one. The few words you wrote about yourself present
in the strongest light what I knew would be your suf-
ferings. I pray Heaven that you may have been saved
from sickness and great suffering — which your grief
and exhaustion were so well calculated to produce.
Dr. Cuyler received by this mail letters from his wife,
dated 31st Jany. Assuredly I must receive two letters
from you by the next mail. I received by a gentleman
from Brazos a letter from Genl. Scott, which I intended
enclosing to Father, but as I may have good use for it
here, it will be better for me to send an epitome of its
contents, which will show how wisely Genl. Scott had
made his arrangements, with how great forethought
he acted, and how cruelly his plans have been thwarted
by delays.
The Secretary of War on Genl. Scott's requisition
ordered in Dec. ten large transports to be sent in
ballast ; nothing has been heard of them. Genl. Jesup
went on the 3rd Jany. to New Orleans to take up ships,
etc. On the 22nd he had chartered almost enough for
the St. John's River, Florida. During the Spanish troubles Mr. Mack-
intosh removed his family and slaves to a tract of land on the St.
Mary's River, Georgia, and called the new home the " Refuge." This
tract was a grant from the Crown to his mother's father, Sir Patrick
Houstoun, President of His Majesty's Council of Georgia.
In Mexico 43
8000 men and 1200 Arty, and Cavalry horses. They
were to have left New Orleans on the 24th ; but the time
necessary to malce extra water casks, the sailors striving
for higher wages, and finally a fog which lasted for one
week have so delayed them that only one had reached
the Brazos on the nth inst. Of the heavy supplies
of Ord. and Ordnance Stores ordered, only a small
part has been heard of. Was ever such ill fortune!
The Genl. will leave Brazos as soon as the transports
or most of them come up. He will stop here only a day
or two and will hasten to Lobos, etc. We must make an
attack on Vera Cruz in a few weeks, or abandon it
until Oct. or Nov. Healthy portions may be found
in the interior, sufficiently near to haul our supplies
from this place. Col. Bankhead arrived to-day — ^he
looks very well— we, or at least many, think that he
will be the Milty. Governor of this place instead of
Col. Gates. I think this will be entirely as Col.
Bankhead wishes — he is an old friend and favorite of
Genl. Scott's. Gates is neither the one nor the other.
As I must reserve some space for another day's memo-
randa I will now close.
Monday night, 15th.
I have just been informed that a mail will be closed
early to-night to go in the morning. As it is uncertain
when another one will be sent, and as I am determined
that you shall have a chance of hearing from me by
every mail, I have determined though there be no stir-
ring incidents to season my epistle, to close and send
this letter.
This day has given us no news. Col. Bankhead
assumed command of the Regt. to-day without taking
command of the City. This looks a little like a dis-
44 An Artillery Officer
inclination on his part to interfere with Col. Gates
in his Gubernatorial capacity. Genl. Scott will pro-
bably leave the selection of the Officer to be left in
command here to Genl. Patterson. I hope that Genl.
Scott will take all the Regvilars with him leaving some
1500 Volunteers here.
A ship is reported off the Bar this evening; whether it
be one of the delayed transports or one of the ships
containing the Mississippi or the New York Volun-
teers, we know not. I did not mention among the
other items of Genl. Scott's bad luck, the fact that
the Mississippi Volunteers, which were ordered to the
Brazos for Genl. Taylor's Division of the Army, have
come down here! Genl. S. is now doubtless expecting
them at the Brazos.
Major Kirby is to join Genl. Scott as he passes this
place. Whether he will be with him merely as the
Senior Paymaster-General or that he is to serve in some
other capacity on the Staff, I know not. Kirby, if
he be sincerely attached (which I hope is the case) to
Genl. Scott, will be a very good adviser. He is a
prudent man, and prudence is always a virtue in the
Staff of a man like Genl. Scott, whose indignation,
though justly excited, may sometimes lead him to
express himself too harshly. Maj. Van Buren is with
the Genl. I don't think much of him as an adviser.
You know the Major however as well as I do; a very
amiable gentleman. I hope that Capt. De Hart may
be in the General's Staff. He has a very rough and
unpleasantly independent way of speaking sometimes
to the Genl., and this frequently vexes him: but his
business habits, his acquaintance with details, and his
attachment to the Genl. render him a very valuable
man to him. Genl. Scott should now have men around
In Mexico 45
him who will at the risk of incurring for a time his
displeasure, speak the truth fully and freely to him.
His magnanimity will always cause him to make
promptly the Amende honorable when he has been
vexed by a person's not agreeing with him, and he
will esteem them all the more for it. Of one thing I
am certain, as I said in a former letter — one Campaign
with this Army will give Genl. Scott a popularity
which he Has not at present. The Army has been
lying idle here so long, that the croakers are busily
at work; a little active service will send this gentry
into their dens again.
No. 5. Tampico,
Tuesday, i6th.
I mailed a letter to you in a very great hurry, and
hear this evening that the mail was not sent, and what
is more vexatious that none will be sent to-morrow.
I shall however commence and continue this, as though
the other were off, and may probably send both under
one envelope should no mail leave before I finish this.
Col. Bankhead assumed command to-day, and the
first act of his administration was to order his prede-
cessor into Camp with our two companies ; so that this
is probably the last letter I shall write you from quar-
ters in Tampico. I do not know the position of the
site selected for our Camp, but hear that it is a pleas-
ant and healthy one. We shall be about three quarters
of a mile from where I am now quartered. The Cam.p
will be composed of the three Companies of the 3rd
Arty, now here, viz. — "G" Co. and the Companies
commanded by Lieutenants Steptoe and Wyse.
The probabilities are in favor of our being moved
again in a few days, as we learn that the transports are
rendezvousing rapidly at the Lobos Islands, a vessel
46 An Artillery Officer
which arrived this afternoon reports fifteen large ships
at anchor there, and that she met four others on her
way up. The inference is then certainly fair, that
those ordered to this place may very soon arrive.
The important point now discussed is what troops
are to remain. The general impression seems to be
that Col. Gates is to be left. Nous verrons.
Among the rumors of the day, credited by some
knowing ones, is an old one revived; that the com-
mandant at Vera Cruz has received instructions from
Santa Anna to evacuate the place, on the arrival
before it of our Army, as was done here. This comes
from a Mexican lady of this place, I would not be
astonished if it was done, if we go there with a heavy
battery (without which we ought not to approach
the place) and a well organized force.
Genl. Scott, I am confident, feels the full importance
of entire success, and will not run the risk of a failure.
His enemies are on the watch; his friends are keenly
and sensitively alive and will leave nothing unat-
tempted in their power to ensure success.
Tattoo call has just beat; and it is time for me to
visit the Theatre. I have, I believe, omitted telling you
that among the duties of the Officer of the Day, are those
of going to the Theatre, the Fandangoes, and all places
of amusement. Such a collection as I saw at the only
Fandango I have attended you can not conceive of —
from the Vol. Colonel to the drunken private soldier
and the black Mexicanesses — I soon became disgusted,
but had to remain for fear of a row, to close it. The
Theatre is filled with noisy Volunteers some of whom
are taken away from their frolics there every night
and given a place on the floor of our filthy guardhouse.
At all places of amusement are found sentinels with
'^y "^i^.
GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT
In Mexico 47
their fixed bayonets ; they are even on the ballroom
floor. And this is necessary to keep our free and
independent citizens in order! Good-night, it will be so
late when I return, that I can write no more to-night.
Wednesday night, 17th.
I am now writing from camp, having vacated my
quarters in town at 4.30 this evening. Mr. Wyse came
in when I had finished the last sentence to talk about
the chance of our remaining here. It seems that the
question has been discussed to-day, and he says that
Col. Gates and our two companies will form a portion
of the garrison. Genl. Scott may change the arrange-
ments entered into by the gentlemen here. I shall
therefore give myself very little trouble about the
affair.
I saw to-day Genl. Twiggs's Brigade drilling on the
plain near our camp. I never saw so many Regulars
together: there were about 1400 men; of the Rifles,
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th Infantry. They made a very-
respectable display ; the day was intensely warm and
two or three of the men fainted in the ranks.
Of rumors we have a full budget — one, that Genl.
Taylor has had a fight with and whipped Genl. Santa
Aima; a second report says that Santa Anna can not
raise money to organize an Army, and that Vera Cruz
will certainly be abandoned on our approach. Nous
verrons. As I am not yet well arranged for writing,
I will here finish — wishing you good-night; the discord-
ance of two camps beating tattoo at the same time
makes not a very pleasant music.
Thursday, Feb. i8th.
We are now comfortably fixed in our Camp which
48 An Artillery Officer
has been well and thoroughly policed. I find that I
am too far from my own Mess in town to continue a
member of it; I shall therefore organize a Mess to-
morrow in camp. I brought, you know, all the furni-
ture, etc., necessary for this purpose. Finding, how-
ever, that my pewter is not quite genteel enough for a
Tampico Mess, where we greatly profess gentility, I
went to the heavy expense of 75 cts. for a china bowl
and plate. The pattern is a very pretty one, as you
may see some day from the fragments. I have not
succeeded in finding any curiosities or rarities which
I thought worth prociu-ing and keeping for you.
When in town this morning, I called to see Maj.
McCall, Genl. Patterson's Adjt. Genl., in consequence
of Mr. Wyse's conversation with me last night, and
asked him whether the designation of the companies
to remain here was made by him or by Genl. Scott's
Adjt. Genl. He said that Genl. Scott would designate
the garrison. Thus falls to the ground the castles
which our knowing ones have been building for their
friends dtuing the last few days.
We had a report this morning that Capt. Huger was
off the bar to-day. I could not trace the report to a
reUable source, though I thought it might well be so.
He must have been imder orders in Dec. or Jany. ; and
should have arrived before this time. Genl. Scott
will be here at 7.30 to-morrow.
Why does not Congress act on the Army BUls; the
President's earnest recommendations have not been
acquiesced in. It is highly important that Genl.
Scott shoiild have the ten Regiments of Regulars so
strongly recommended by the Secretary of War, at
the earliest moment, and yet, at oiur latest advices
from Washington, they were gravely discussing the
In Mexico 49
question of giving Voliinteers in place of Regulars.
Had Congress been serious in desiring to prosecute the
War vigorously, they would have passed the Bill pro-
posed, or some other for increasing the Army, in the
first two weeks of its Session, and some of the Regts.
might have been now in the field. Now the passage
of any Bill augmenting the Army can do no good until
next winter. Our armies are not stifficiently strong
for invasion; we may occupy the seaport towns and
healthy positions near them, but can not throw our
forces far into the interior.
I learn to-day from a very reliable source that there
is much bitter feeling between the Volunteer Generals.
I fear that this feeling may be extended by them
towards Genl. Scott, who comes to an army, I am
sorry to say it, strongly prejudiced against him. Bragg
in the Arty, and Lt. Don Carlos Buell in the Infy., or,
at least, Genl. Scott's action in their cases, have had
much weight in producing this feeling. You can
readUy conceive the anxiety I feel on this account.
I am apprehensive that the prejudice is so strong as
to mislead many honorable men, who can not give
his acts a fair trial. Once in a campaign and in a
glorious action, and all must be, will be, right — envy
and malice will [not] then be so powerful to injure as
now, and the very men who now dare to speak slight-
ingly, and disrespectfully of him, will be loudest and
most ftdsome in his adulation.
I hear to-night that a mail from New Orleans will
leave early in the morning, and as I am not now so
near the Post Office as when in town, I will not be
able to spoil this letter by cross writing. Mr. Wyse
promised to call for my letter after tattoo, and as the
call has beat, I must now close.
50 An Artillery Officer
No. 6. In Camp, Tampico
Sat., Feb. 20th.
Thank God I have at last received letters from you.
Yours of the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 29th, Jany. were
received yesterday morning. With what gratitude do
I thank our Heavenly Father for having restored you
to health. And you have suffered so severely, my poor
wife. What wou d have become of you had you been
among strangers, worn out by worrying about me?
Now I feel that you are surrounded by those whose
love and affection will anticipate all your wishes,
whose devotion encircles you with care and atten-
tions which strangers would never think of, and
which in the sick room are so much needed, so highly
appreciated. Is it not true that in this case all was
ordered for the best? I will not ask you to thank
all the family, the attentions of each of whom
have been so warmly dwelt upon in your letters — this
would be too cold and formal. But I do thank God
for having given us relations with hearts so warm and
so true.
I will not attempt to state the feeliags which per-
vaded my heart when I read your most, most welcome
letters. How often did I have to stop reading — some
sentiment of yours brought you before me so plainly,
and yet so far are we separated, and so much un-
certainty is there about the time of our meeting again.
God will, I know, continue to protect and bless you.
As my scribble on the side of No. 5 indicated, Genl.
Scott was that night off the bar, and arrived yesterday
morning. He was received and escorted to his quar-
ters by four companies of Arty. ; Capt. Wm. McKenzie,
Commander, Capt. A. Compy., the right Compy.
The Genl. looked, on arriving, somewhat worried;
In Mexico 51
he went off this afternoon, I think, in better spirits.
He issued yesterday his Orders naming his Staff
Officers, and declaring Martial Law to prevail wherever
any part of the Army might be. I send a copy of the
newspaper containing them.
I met many of my old friends — Major Smith, Engin-
eers Col. Totten, Capt. C. F. Smith, Capt. Joe Johnson,
Lt. Scott, A. D. C, Capt. Swartwout, A.D.C. Williams,
etc., etc., etc. All are in fine spirits. I have not
mentioned my old friend Capt. Huger, who dined with
me to-day on "Armadillo" and other nice dishes.
He has brought out the heavy Ordnance, the arrival
of which has been so anxiously hoped for. Col. Gates
will remain here with one compy. of Arty, and 1200
Volunteers. Col. De Russy has been ordered to
remain with the Louisiana Volunteers ; this is a bitter
pill for them to swallow. I saw very little of Genl.
Scott; knowing how busy he would be, I purposely
avoided going near him. He enquired most afEec-
tionately about Father and the family; says that the
Genl. owes him two letters. I wish you would
ask Father to write to him, directing to the care of
Col. Hunt, who will forward it. Having largely tres-
passed on my to-morrow's pages, I will now bid you
good-night. God bless you.
Sunday, 21st.
The Norther which raged last night with considerable
force, must have carried Genl. Scott down to Lobos
early to-day ; he is, I suppose, safely anchored there to-
night. Last night reminded me of some of the stormy
nights we had at Tampa Bay. Luckily the Sentinels
of our Camp are not far from each other, and it did
not take me long to visit them. I took advantage
52 An Artillery Officer
of a lull, and paid my visit rapidly between two showers.
To-night the wind is pretty high, but there is no rain,
I have this evening distressed Lt. Judd by telling
him that I intended applying for him to join my
Compy. He has just succeeded in having Lt. Step-
toe's Compy. organized as a Compy. of Foot Artillery,
and it will go hard with him to have to leave it, but
I must now have all the officers who properly belong to
it, if I can get them. Col. Gates said this evening
that he would order him to the Compy., but he may
change his mind to-morrow.
An English gentleman of high character informed
us last night that he had received advices from Mexico
to the 13th inst. stating that a bearer of dispatches
had been sent by our Govt, to the Mexican ; the nature
of the communication was not known. It is said
that the bearer of the dispatches is a Mexican, who
has been during the last year in some official cor-
respondence with our Secy, of State, and who has
constantly taken the ground that a peace might be
honorably adjusted by the two Govts. News from San
Luis Potosi to the 7th was also received by Mr. White-
head, which represents that Santa Anna has advanced
50 leagues towards Genl. Taylor and that he had then
halted, having learned that the Genl. was stronger than
he believed him to be. Information also states that the
Mexican Congress has informed Santa Anna that no
money can be raised for him, that he must subsist his
army as best he can. Before this reaches you, you
will have heard whether these rumors are confirmed.
Genl. Twiggs's Brigade will commence embarking
as soon as the bar becomes quiet enough for them to
cross. It will be succeeded by the other troops as
rapidly as they can be got off. A large steamboat
In Mexico 53
was reported off the bar this afternoon; it is supposed
to be the Alabama from New Orleans. She has
probably nin out to sea again; and will, I hope, return
to-mon-Qw, and give us a mail with later news from my
wife. I must leave a little space for to-morrow on this
side. That oiu: Heavenly Father may protect and
guard you, and soon restore me to you is my earnest,
my constant prayer. Good-night. The Taps have
just been given.
Monday, 22nd.
Washington's Birthday. I am, with my company,
in the City to-day guarding the City. Col. BanMiead
showed me the order of Genl. Patterson directing the
Arty, companies to be embarked next after Genl,
Twiggs's Brigade, which wUl, I suppose, commence its
removal to-morrow. The steamer reported off the
bar yesterday has not yet come ia. She is thought to
be the Alabama.
Of news we have nothing to-day. I am seated in
Dr. Harney's parlor, with the Dr. in front of me on
the sofa. Lt. Beckwith, 3rd. Arty., is on my left, and
Lt. Van Vliet is walking across the room; — as they
are talking I find that I shall have to defer my writing
till I can steal a more favorable moment, when I shall
resume and finish to-night, and mail will go to-morrow.
9.30 P.M., Monday.
I had intended writing you a good long letter, but
as Officer of the Day, I shall have so much to do that
I shall have to content myself with this letter with
a slight addition to it. It will be useless for me to
keep it out of the Post Office to-night for the chance of
the mail's not going off until the afternoon of to-morrow,
54 An Artillery Officer
as I learn that I am named as Judge Advocate and
Recorder to a Military Commission to try a Mexican
Spy to-morrow.
This is the first Board organized under Genl. Scott's
order declaring Martial Law. The Commission is
composed of Col. Bankhead, Col. Gates, Col. Campbell,
Term. Vols., Lt. Col. Belton, and another Vol. Officer. I
regret exceedingly being placed on the Commission,
as it is a question which will attract much attention,
and should be managed by an officer of much more
experience and talents than myself. Capt. De Hart
should have been sent here to act on the Court.
I do not think that the Prosecuting Officer will be
able to sustain the charge, as I can not conceive the
necessity for the Mexican General having sent a spy
to this city, whose inhabitants are in daily communica-
tion with their friends in the Army and elsewhere. Again
it may be apprehended that if he be foimd guilty and
executed imder our sentence, the Mexicans may cause
Lt. Rodgers of the Navy, a prisoner in Vera Cruz,
to share the same fate. Joaquim Nogales, our pris-
oner, is said to be a Sergeant in Genl. Urea's part
of the Army, and was apprehended by Major Morris,
who prefers the Charges.
I shall not be able to send you by this mail the copy
of Genl. Scott's order which I intended sending. You
will find a copy in the next newspaper which I send.
Maj. McCall has just sent me word that he wants
to see me, and I must go over. — I have just returned;
he gave me the order detailing the Military Com-
mission and the charges against Nogales. They are
hardly strong enough to convict him of being a spy.
I must study the case. Good-night, may our Heavenly
Father bless you.
In Mexico 55
No. 7. Tampico.
Wednesday, Feb. 24.
As I was engaged yesterday on the first "Military
Commission," I did not feel like writing at night, and
retired at early candle light. This morning I received
orders to prepare my Compy. for embarkation, and
as I have much to think of and to arrange to-night,
as we embark early to-morrow, I fear that my last
letter from Tampico must necessarily be a short one.
Before commencing my daily narrative of events,
rumors, etc., since the close of my last, I may as well
tell how near I was being kept here by Col. Gates. My
last mentioned that the Col. was to remain here with
one Compy. of his Regt. This decision was made
the day Genl. Scott left. That morning, Adjt. Austine
informed me that Col. G. had selected me. I immedi-
ately went to his Quarters and asked him if that was so.
He answered me in the affirmative, said that he had
been treated with great discourtesy in being separated
from his Regt., and that, saying divers complimentary
things, he had selected me to remain with him. I
stated that, from the relations which had always
existed between us, I knew that he would not mis-
understand me, when I informed him that I would
appeal from his decision; that as the ranking officer
of those in command of Companies of the 3rd Regt.
here, I claimed that I was entitled to be first sent on
armed service. He said that there woiild be no
misunderstanding between us.
I left him, and had barely seated myself to write my
appeal, when Col. Bankhead's orderly came in and
said that Col. B. wished to see me, at his Quarters..
I went, when he informed me that it was strange that
Col. Gates had misunderstood him; that he had in-
56 An Artillery Officer
formed him as plainly as he could speak the English
language that he, Col. B. would, to prevent any heart-
burnings between him and his officers, make the
selection. He then said, that next to the officers of
his own Regt., he would rather have me with him than
any one else. And wound up by stating that he would
not make the selection till Genl. Scott left.
Immediately on Genl. Scott's leaving, he informed
Mr. Wyse that his Compy. would remain. Col.
Bankhead told Col. Gates subsequently, that Genl.
Scott had said that he wanted me in the trenches
with him.
So much for being too popular. I have made a very
narrow escape. There is so much in the preceding
which would not be written to any one else but yourself,
as it looks exceedingly like egotism, that I hope you
will not read or let it be read by any one.
The Company is to embark in a very fine sailer with
accommodations for about thirty men more than the
company musters. I have to leave "Ruh" in the
Hospital here. He was shot accidentally in the calf
of his leg, by a revolver in the hands of one of Mr.
Wyse's Compy. and will not be able to go with us.
I must have him sent on to join me as soon as he gets
sufficiently well. Mr. Judd has managed to keep
from joining the Compy., as he prefers remaining
with Mr. Steptoe whose Compy. he managed to have
converted into a battery of Foot Artillery. But I
think, as he has not been transferred from the Compy.
I will get him back as soon as I get to Genl. Scott's
Headquarters.
And now about the grand "Military Commission"
which met yesterday to try the spy. On the assembling
of the Court, after a few remarks, the names of the
In Mexico 57
members were called, when, before the prisoner was
brought in, I presented the question as to our com-
petency to try a spy, and stated that we were debarred
from doing so by Genl. Scott's order, and by the Rules
and Articles of War, which declare that spies shall be
tried by Genl. Coiirts-Martial. The question was put
— the objection sustained — when I wrote a letter com-
municating the fact to Genl. Patterson; the moment
I explained the grounds of our decision, he stated that
we were right, and informed me that he would have an
order issued dissolving the Commission. Thus was I
relieved from a most unwelcome and troublesome task.
The fates are decidedly in my favor — I ask pardon, I
am no fatalist, even in jest, and firmly believe that the
Great God orders all events. He speaks to us whether
in the gentle zephyr or in the raging storm.
Adjutant Austine goes with us. Col. Gates was
quite angry when Mr. A. told him he must go; but
afterwards consented. The Col. keeps the band; we
take the Colors, and the Adjt., Col. Childs, and Capt.
Vinton will be with us.
We have rumors again that a messenger has been
sent to the Mexican Govt, with an offer to take north
of a line running through Matamoros, to embrace a
part of California, Santa Fe, etc. ; and that we will give
her twenty millions from which the claims of our
citizens on her Govt, are to be discounted. These
terms do not appear to me very liberal. Whether the
Mexicans will accept, no one knows. I believe that,
the Govt, at Washington would do any honorable
thing — may be that word is too short — to prevent
Genl. Scott from conquering a peace. We will see.
Friend Derr and I get on very well together. He
goes on guard with me when I am Officer of the Day,.
58 An Artillery Officer
and does not therefore miss any of his duties. I will
reserve a little space for to-morrow morning, when, if
possible, I will add a few words more. Good-night,
my wife. Good-night.
February 25th.
My Compy. is now on board, and I am waiting for
the return of the lighter to go on board. Col. Belton
and Lt. Andrews are the only officers who go in the
same vessel. The wind is now ahead, and it seems
doubtful whether we shall leave to-night or not; it is
now 2.30 o'clock. Genl. Patterson will, it is said,
leave the day after to-morrow in the steamboat Ala-
bama. For safety and the chance of making snug
harbors I prefer our little schooner, the Regina Hill. I
intended sending another trio of drafts, but as I am
separated from my baggage, I cannot.
No, 8. Tampico,
February 27th, Saturday.
It appears now, my wife, that my last, very hurried
letter might have been finished at ■ my leisure. A
Norther was brewing as we went on board, and yester-
day morning the breakers were so high on the bar that
no vessels went out. The wind is now lulling and it is
probable that the gallant little barque will sail to-
morrow. I very innocently came up to see my friends
the Doctors on Thursday night, as I thought a night on
shore would be better for me than one on board, but
they refused to let me return, and here I am separated
from the Company by a cold. They have given me no
medicine but one dose of magnesia; but say that I
shall not expose myself by unnecessarily accompanying
the command in a small vessel without medical atten-
In Mexico 59
dance, when they can take me with them in the steamer
Alabama, which, leaving to-morrow, or the next day,
will reach Lobos before the Regina Hill.
My cough is less violent than when I left the vessel.
You know that generally I am very little affected by
colds, recovering frequently from those that are very
severe in one night. I have no pains or aches, simply
a cough, and hope that with a change of weather I
shall be again well enough to rejoin and go down with
the Compy. I have a piece of news for you.
Did I not mention in one of my first letters that Mrs.
Gates had been invited by Mrs. Chase (the lady who
first raised our flag) to come on? She is now here. I
have not seen her, but intend, if to-morrow is a mild day,
to call on her. Her arrival will, I hope, make our Col.
better satisfied with his position here. She had, I hear,
some difficulties to contend with, in getting here. The
Col. will, I suppose, tell the whole story when I see him.
Mr. Wyse called to see me this afternoon; he seems
very well contented, and talks about his Company's
being mounted. It is very well that all men are not
constituted alike. I feel very certain that with all
my attachment to my profession, I would have re-
signed and gone to Vera Cruz as a Volunteer, rather
than to have remained here. I am glad, however,
that I was not put to the trial.
8 P.M. Mr. Judd has just left, having called to see
me. He expects to start to-morrow or the next day.
Before I stop I will take you a walk through the
market. In the first place you see the "Flag of our
Country " ; it is placed on a platform intended to receive
a statue of Genl. Santa Anna. The house is the guard-
house; the square is paved with stones. Let us com-
mence with the people farthest from the river. I have
60 An Artillery Officer
marked the line i.' Here you see tables and people —
soldiers and others — drinking coffee and chocolate with
cakes and bread. The coffee is kept hot in large tin
urns with charcoal burning imder them. You ask
me what that Mexican woman is doing there, turning
a stick between the palms of her hands as she stoops
over that earthen pot on the fire. She is making
a cup of chocolate for some one. She will pour some
out, then put it on the fire and turn her stick in it
again, and then pour more out; now she puts a piece of
sponge cake into the saucer, and hands it to that man ;
he pays her sixpence for it, and she smiles as pleasantly
as if he had made her a present.
A little farther on you see a pile of ctirious-shaped
earthen pots; they are used for cooking, some are
for meats and vegetables, others for chocolate, and
others are water jars. Next you see several straw hats ;
they are worn by the people of the country; the prices
are from 25 cts. apiece to $1.50. That man is selling
coarse Mexican blankets and some common cotton
goods.
Now we will commence with the next line; here you
see no tables, the articles are either in open boxes
slightly raised on one side, on coarse matting, or upon
the pavement. The first box contains a large dried
black pepper; this is the sweet pepper; next are green
peppers, bird's-eye peppers, the true cayeime, and
another kind somewhat larger. There are black
beans, the favorite bean, about the size of otu: garden
pea; next the large kidney, then the common pea;
then a small flat bean much used with rice, a box of
which comes next; take care that you don't tread
upon that fine large lettuce or upon those egg-plants.
' A diagram was enclosed in letter.
In Mexico 6i
But what is that man doing? See, he has a kind of
bag, which seems filled with moss, and he is taking
something out of it and opening the moss which is made
into a kind of ball ; they are eggs which he has brought
to market on the back of a donkey. Each ball holds
an egg carefully wrapped. See, there is another man
who is opening com shucks in which he has fastened
his eggs.
Most of them in this and the next line have nearly
the same things; here is a vegetable something like
the egg-plant in its form, but that it is flattened; it has
a deep crease at one end, and a piece projecting out like
a tongue ; the plant has small points on it which do not
stick you; this plant is cooked like the egg-plant, but
I think it is much better. I have tried to get the seed,
but was told that the fruit itself was planted, and that
the part looking like a tongue will grow into a vine
on which some fifty or sixty of these will grow. I will
try to take one to Father. That pretty red bird you see
there is the pink curlew; its feathers are beautiful;
you must have some to make a fan; he asks 12^/^ cts.
for it and says it is good to eat. It is not very good.
That basket-looking coop made of corn-stalks holds
chickens. Ducks and turkeys you see here. That
man has sugar cane and plantains for sale; the next
one bananas, $i.oo for a bunch of green ones; we won't
give it — we may find some ripe ones farther on.
But come, we must make haste, and retiim home; we
have not the time to see all the things this morning
and will glance along as we run through these lanes of
market people near the river. In the boats are very
fine fish; look at those turtles with supple twigs tied
around their bodies between their shells and their
legs, so that they can't move their legs; there is com,
62 An Artillery Officer
rice, dried corn, coarse salt, Mexican soap, raisins,
onions, garlic, cabbage, mint, parsley in small btmdles,
cigaritos (small paper cigars smoked by ladies! as
well as gentlemen) ; the most beautiful white lard you
ever saw; sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes; tomatoes,
some very small — the wild tomatoes — others red like
our common ones, and some of a very rich yellow;
radishes, green peas — see those long strips piled up on
those cow hides — that is jerked beef.
Look at that donkey, see his tail trimmed. He
has naturally, the poor creature, very little hair on it.
On his back you see four layers or steps of bottles.
That is a common drink of the country made of cane
juice. There goes another donkey carrying water; he
has four kegs ; when the man stops to sell his load, he
places a wide leather strap over the eyes of his donkey;
this keeps the animal quiet and still — a pair of leather
spectacles. But here we are at home. We may take
another walk through the market in Vera Cruz.
1.30, Sunday morning, Feb. 28th.
I have heard that Genl. Worth is off the mouth of the
River, and that a mail has been received at the office.
I will run down to see if I cannot get a letter from
you. — 3.15. Thank God the mail did bring me two
letters from my wife.
My letters, which you will have received long ere this,
will have removed all cause of uneasiness about the
uncertainty of my arrival here, and subsequent letters
will have informed you how well I have been taken
care of since my arrival. Place your confidence, and
place it freely and fully, in Almighty God who has
always been more careful of me than I have deserved,
and you will then feel that all will go right. Repine
In Mexico 63
not that He has separated us for a while; He knows
what is best ; we can not look wisely ahead for a single
hour. The end will convince us of His foresight, our
shortsightedness; His wisdom, our folly.
You express apprehensions about your letters, that
I may never receive them. I think I have them all:
Jany. 7, 14, 21, 29; Feby. 4 and 12. In your letter of
the 4th of Feby. you say that it is your fifth; such you
see my table of letters received makes it. You ask
whether it is worth while for you to send the Intelligencer;
scarcely, because I see from the loose manner in which
business is transacted here in the Post Office, that any
person can go in and help himself to any papers he
chooses. I hear from my friends who read papers,
all the news. I do not feel much like reading.
I have just heard that Genl. Patterson has notified
the gentlemen who are to accompany him that the
Alabama will leave at 9 o'clock in the morning. The
Regina is still at the mouth of the River, and I think
it probable that I may leave the Alabama and get on
board with the rest of the "G's. "
Dr. Cuyler received a letter from Mrs. Cuyler as late
as the 13th. She writes that she had heard from Miss
Johanna Wade that the Major had been ordered to
Tampico. Col. Gates will, I presume, detain the Major
with his Compy. at this place — he will meet his brother-
in-law. Major Buchanan, here in command of the
Baltimore troops.
The Army Bill I see has passed; it may help me a
Httle. I am very much pleased with the synopsis you
give of your newspaper readings. I learn from it many
things which I had not before heard.
You must not write me such long letters — one page
telling me that all are well and that you are walking
64 An Artillery Officer
about and getting strong again, woidd give all the
pleasure I can receive from any letters, and particularly
when I know that the effort necessary to write those
long letters tires you. Let me urge you by all the
love you bear me, and I know its weight and its
worth, to take care of yourself. Look at events which
have passed. Do you not see how groundless were a
thousand fears which have harassed and worried your
life out? The imcertainty of the departtue of our
mails, though I have put you on your guard against
it, has caused you, I know, many bitter hours of anxiety
and uneasiness. This letter I leave under a promise
from the Postmaster that it will go the day after to-
morrow. It may, however, remain here a week. When
I shall have another opportunity of sending a letter
off, no one can tell. That Genl. Scott will have his
letters as frequently as practicable, I know, but he
may not care about reporting until he has executed
something to make a report about. I shall reserve
my vacant space for a talk with you to-night and
to-morrow morning.
7.30. Major Capers came in soon after I had finished
the above; he is as big, consequential and important
as man can well be; he said that he had been down
to see Genl. Worth who had sent for him. The Genl.
was on the Steamer Edith at the mouth of the River.
I was sorry to hear that the Genl. looks badly; he is
said to be in fine spirits, says that of course we shall
whip the Mexicans at Vera Cruz, does n't believe any
of the rumors we hear about Genl. Taylor's likelihood
of being defeated by Santa Anna.
Dr. Wright received a letter to-day from an officer
serving imder Genl. Taylor, who writes that Genl. T.
had advanced ten leagues from Saltillo on the road
In Mexico ^5
towards San Luis, and that the report there was that
Santa Anna had withdrawn his forces from San Luis
and intended opposing the landing of our Army at
Vera Cruz. The next thing we shall probably hear of
Santa Anna, will be an attack made on some place he
may hope to surprise.
You must not allow yourself to be worried by the
thousand reports with which the papers will now be
filled. Every paper must have some items of interest
to publish about the Army at Vera Cruz. Show any-
thing you may see to your Father, and he will tell
you how much credit may be attached to it.
We shall not be able to disembark the Army much
earlier than the 15th of March, so that you can not
hear any thing certain from its operations sooner
than about the last of March or ist of April. I must
save the other side for to-morrow. Good-night.
Monday morning, Feb. 29th, 9 A.M.
The wagon has just come for our baggage, and
I must bid you farewell. Rumor reports that an at-
tack was recently made by 2000 Cavalry on one of
Genl. Taylor's posts, and that the Mexicans lost four
himdred men; the attack was said to have been made
at night.
No. I. Steamship "Alabama,"
Off Anton Lizards.
March 5, 1847.
Anchored at last, I resiune my correspondence.
The date of my last letter I do not remember. The
little vessel with my Compy. crossed the bar at
Tampico, Sunday, 28th ult. As the Doctors, in
consequence of my having a cold, refused to let me go
on board with the Compy. I was perforce compelled
66 An Artillery Officer
to come on board this ship. Genl. Patterson with his
Staff were fellow-passengers. One Regt. of Tenn.
Foot, and Capt. Walker's Compy. 6th U. S. Infy. are
also on board.
We got on board Monday the ist inst., crossed the
bar the next morning, and getting under weigh about
midnight, reached the Lobos Islands early the next
day, where orders were received to proceed South.
Genl. Scott had already left Lobos. Yesterday we lay
to for about eight hours in a Norther and arrived at our
anchorage here about lo o'clock this morning. Genl.
Scott came in about two hours afterwards, and at the
suggestion of Col. Campbell commanding the Tenn.
Regt. he was greeted with three hearty cheers as he
passed us.
We are about thirteen or eighteen miles south of
Vera Cruz. There are at this time, 5.30 p.m., sixty-
four ships, etc., at anchor in sight; the vessel with
"G" Co. has not yet arrived, but as the wind is fair,
I presume she and nearly all the others that are due
will be in to-morrow. Genl. Worth has just entered
our stateroom; I must stop to shake hands with him.
Genl. W. looks badly; his old wound has given him
a good deal of pain within the last month.
I heard yesterday that the Genl. thinks that he wUl
be killed in this attack. I cannot think that a man
who has so bravely passed through so many dangers
as Genl. W. would give expression to such feelings,
even if he entertained them.
Glorious news has just been received from Genl.
Taylor's Army. The news comes pretty direct. A
British Man-of-War which communicated this morn-
ing with Vera Cruz, on coming out gave the last Mexi-
can papers to some of our Naval Officers — in one of
GENERAL TAYLOR
In Mexico 67
these papers was Genl. Santa Anna's report to his
Govt. He states that he fought Genl. Taylor on the
22nd of Feby. at Aguanueva, not far from Saltillo,
and again the fight was resumed on the 23rd. That
he, Genl. Santa Anna, having lost in killed and wounded
1000 men, found it necessary to fall back to "Incarna-
tion," whence, after having taken care of his sick
and procured provisions, he would again advance to
attack Genl. Taylor whose loss he estimates as 2000.
This paper also mentions that there had been fighting
for three days in the City of Mexico in consequence
of the attempt to raise money by forced loans from
the Clergy. This is certainly most glorious news,
and coming as it does from the Mexicans, we may
fairly infer that it has not been colored too strongly
in our favor. Genl. Taylor has then whipped their
great man! This news will have a fine effect on our
troops; all are even more anxious than ever to be led
to the attack.
The news from Vera Cruz is that there are about
3000 Regulars, and a little over 2000 irregulars. Our
troops will be, including 200 marines, about 13,000.
The result no one can doubt. Genl. Scott will not
make his attack in such a manner as unnecessarily to
sacrifice life. If possible, he will take the place without
the loss of a man.
I have a Volunteer captain who wishes to accompany
me. He is a gentleman who raised a fine company
in Uniontown, Pa. which the Secy, of War could
not receive, as the Regt. from Pa. had been filled up
before the Capt. went to Washington. Determined to
be in the fight himself, as soon as he found that his
Compy. was refused, he started for the Seat of War,
and is now here. I shall go with him to Genl. Scott
68 An Artillery Officer
to-morrow and request that his wishes may be complied
with.
Capt. Austine has declined an offer he received to-day
of the position of Lt. Col. or Major, in the ist Regt.
Pa. troops, both these positions being vacated by the
sickness of those officers. He says that he prefers
being with me to going into the field with that Regt.
He is ftiH of zeal and will be of assistance in inspiring
my Germans with a determination to go ahead.
Our anchorage is, I hear this evening, eighteen
miles by land from Vera Cruz, and fifteen miles by water.
If we land here, we shall have to cross a small river
about two hundred yards wide; on the way up, there
is a mill where the stream can easily be waded which
will make our march somewhat longer. The Naval
Officers say that no opposition will be made to our
landing. As I wish to reserve some space for to-
morrow after my interview with Genl. Scott, I will
now close by wishing you good-night. That God our
Heavenly Father may guard and protect you is my
earnest prayer. Good-night.
Saturday, March 6th.
The Regina Hill bearing Col. Belton and "G"
Co. has not yet arrived. I do hope they will arrive
to-day, as a rumor says that we are to land to-morrow,
and it woiold be hard, after all my endeavors to get
this Compy. into active service, if they should now
miss this opportunity for distinction! Genl. Pat-
terson told me last night that if the Compy. did
not arrive, he would be very happy to have me with
him. This would not suit me.
I called this morning at Genl. Hd. Qrs., but Genl.
Scott had gone off on a reconnoitring party. All his
In Mexico 69
Milty. family went with him. I saw my old friends
Capt. C. F. Smith and Capt. Vinton. I heard a bad
translation of Genl. Santa Anna's report. He states
Genl. Taylor's force at between eight and nine thou-
sand men. He has nearly doubled the General's force,
which could not have exceeded six thousand. The
action took place at Buena Vista, a strong position
about six miles from SaltUlo. He says that he thinks
of falling back the following morning (24th) as he has
not a piece of bread or a pound of rice for his sick.
We have received no mail since we came down. We
hope that we may have one to-day as the last Norther
ought to have brought us down on its swift wings,
vessels from New Orleans. The next mail ought to
bring me letters from you as late as the loth Feby.
I am very anxious to hear that you are well enough
to be walking about, and that you have made some
arrangement which will remedy some of the many
inconveniences which Elizabeth's leaving you has
given. I must now stop writing, as I see that Col.
Ward Burnett, New York Regt., has entered the cabin.
I shall take up my pen again as soon as the recon-
noitring party returns, as I can then state with some
certainty when the landing is to take place.
Monday, 8th.
The reconnoitring party went so close to the Castle
on the 6th as to draw a fire from the Mexican battery ;
no harm was done. Yesterday Col. Belton arrived
with "G" Co., and I was so much occupied that I
could not write. We are now momentarily expecting
a steamer to take us to Sacrificios where the landing
of the troops is to take place.
The 3rd Arty, with a company of Sappers and Miners
70 An Artillery Officer
constitute the Reserve of Genl. Worth's Brigade,
which leads. It is not anticipated that any resistance
will be made to our landing. I have confidence in the
protection of our Heavenly Father who has thus far
protected me with the most fatherly care. This
letter may not be sent tmtil after the engagement,
in which case I hope to accompany it with another.
Monday night.
As no movement was made to-day, in consequence
partly of an expectation that a "Norther" would
interfere with it, I have the pleasure of continuing
my nightly conversation with you. Genl. Worth's
Brigade has been increased to-day by the addition
of about one hundred and eighty Marines, who under
Capt. Edson form part of the Brigade Reserve under
Lt. Col. Belton, which as ordered will consist of three
Compys. 3rd Arty., Capt. Vinton's, Capt. Anderson's;
Lt. Col. Childs under command of Capt. Taylor, Sappers
and Miners, Capt. Swift, and the Marines, amounting
in all to about four hundred and twenty men. As
the barometers indicate the approach of a "Norther,"
it is probable that no move will be made to-morrow.
Lt. Judd has arrived with a part of Lt. Steptoe's
battery. He reports the arrival of Genl. Jesup at
Tampico in the Steamer New Orleans. We are daily,
indeed hourly, expecting her arrival here with a mail.
Capt. F. Taylor is here with a battery of the 1st Arty.
Lt. Col. Duncan is to arrive. The expected Norther
will bring, we hope, all the absent vessels.
All who are here are impatient to make the attack,
as many dread being detained here during the next
month, when they apprehend greater danger from the
yellow fever than from the balls of the Mexicans.
In Mexico 71
The yellow fever commences in Vera Cruz about the
15th of April, so we have five weeks for operations
before a necessity will exist for our moving into the
interior.
The mountains are occasionally plainly visible from
our present anchorage. The peak of Orizaba towers
proudly 17,500 and some odd feet above us. We can
move to deUghtful and healthy positions among the
mountains. Such will undoubtedly be our destina-
tion as soon as we take Vera Cruz. I am anxious
to get through this affair as I know that you will
imagine thousands of dangers which never existed, and
nothing but the certainty that the City is ours will
relieve your anxiety.
This will, I hope, be the last war I shall take an active
part in. I think after the declaration of peace, I may
safely promise that I will go " a-soldiering " no more.
I think that no more absurd scheme could be invented
for settling national difficulties than the one we are
now engaged in — killing each other to find out who
is in the right!
I enjoyed this evening the singing of oux Germans;
they sang several of the songs we used to listen to at
Tampa Bay. God grant that not many months may
elapse before we shall enjoy together our pleasures
again.
I have not received a line from either of my own
family. Indeed, I have not written to any one but
my dear Mother. I have devoted every spare hour
of my evenings to writing to you and have indeed felt
very little like writing to any one else. I feel that you
are entitled to all the time I can take from my duties,
and indeed I do not feel that I ought to retire to my
bed without having first held my converse with you.
72 An Artillery Officer
As I shall want to add something more to-morrow, I
shall bid you good-night.
Tuesday, 9th, sunrise. The signals for sailing are up.
We shall commence transferring our men to the trans-
port which is to convey us up immediately. Good-bye.
May God Almighty bless and preserve you.
No. I. Camp near Vera Cruz.
March 12, 1847.
I have this moment (sunrise) arrived in Camp, and
hear that a mail is to leave this morning. I fear that
I am too late for it, but shall scribble a few lines in
the hope that my good luck may not fail me in getting
my letter off. My last letter informed you that we
were on the eve of landing.
The landing was effected without any attempt to
prevent or molest us. That night a little skirmishing
occurred, by which the Mexicans had, a French Naval
Officer reports, twenty men woimded, — one or two
of our men are said to have been hit by spent balls.
The result of the next day's skirmishing resulted in
killing six Mexicans.
Yesterday, Lt. Col. Dickison of the S. C. Vol.
was wounded in the breast, Capt. Alburtis, 2nd Infy.,
killed, and a private of the Rifles killed, a Lt. of the
Rifles and seven privates are said to have been killed
— per contra seventeen Mexicans were killed. The
City is now completely invested (surroxmded by
our troops) and I presume that some of our mortars
will be in position to-morrow, when they will begin
to feel the horrors of a siege.
Why the Mexicans did not meet us on the beach
In Mexico 73
when they might have annoyed and cut us up most
unmercifully, is most unaccountable. They act very
foolishly, throwing shot and shells at small bodies of
men at distances so great as to make the chances
of their hitting us almost nothing.
I am in excellent health, and in good spirits, as
Genl. Scott has an army of about 14,000 who are in
good tone for serving. All are zealous and anxious
to close the siege. 'T is true that all our heavy Ord-
nance has not yet arrived, but still we have enough
to bring them to terms before the sickly season com-
mences.
No. 2. March 13th, 1847.
The scrawl sent, or rather written on the nth, will I
presume be received by the mail which takes this. My
note book presents nothing worthy of being recorded;
I shall therefore have very little to say of Army matters.
Our tents and boxes are landing to-day, so that we
shall soon be able to make ourselves as comfortable
as the circumstances of a siege will permit of our
being. Night before last I was, as I think my last note
mentioned, on duty with about one hundred and forty
men to assist Capt. Vinton in the event of his being
attacked. I passed, of course, a sleepless night, but
was afforded no opportunity of distinguishing myself.
To show how inaccurate Camp reports are, I will
here correct one which I propagated in my last
letter, and which had come direct from two of Genl.
Worth's staff. 'T is not true that a Lieut, of Rifles
and seven privates were killed, nor is it true that
seventeen Mexicans were killed.
To-day we hear that the large thirteen-inch mortar,
with the firing of which they have been amusing them-
'74 An Artillery Officer
selves, has burst, and we also hear that eight hundred
men passed through our lines last night and entered
the City; these men were from Jalapa. I give but
little credit to both of these rumors.
I will, to ease your mind in relation to the Military
prowess and skill of these people, say more of our
operations than I had intended. Had they planted a
battery on the beach where they must have thought we
intended landing, they might, with the unimportant
loss of their cannon, have killed and drowned a thousand
of our men.
As it was, the landing was a most thrilling and excit-
ing affair; it was effected in about seventy large surf
boats containing from fifty to eighty men. The ships
and steamers which brought us up from Anton Lizards,
with the vessels of war, American, English, French,
and Spanish, formed a fine background to the picture ;
the surf boats were drawn up in line, the first attached
to the Steamer Princeton, the others successively to
each other; the commands were given to wheel to the
right and advance.
I suppose that every man on board these boats
expected to be fired upon as we approached the shore;
the first boat landed, and such a shout was raised
throughout the whole line as never was heard before
on these shores. Why they made no attempt to
oppose our landing, no one can tell. And since we
have landed they have kept up a pretty constant
round of firing; scarcely a quarter of an hour passes
without our hearing the noise of the firing and flight
of a harmless shot or shell, nearly all of them falling
far short of our lines. At night, too, we frequently
hear their escopettes or large guns, injuring us in no
other way than by rousing us from our slumbers or by
In Mexico 75
causing us to get up and stand by our Arms for a
quarter of an hour or so. Thus have they, in not
attacking us when we landed (a work necessarily always
accomplished with great confusion) and in the useless
daily waste of powder, shewn a great absence of Mili-
tary skill.
To-day an attempt will be made to land our heavy
Ordnance. One battery will probably be sent to Capt.
Vinton whose position is about three quarters of a
mile from the town. Yesterday the aqueduct which
supplies the City with water was tapped by the Compy.
of Sappers and Miners; this may distress them very
much. We do not know, however, what resources
they may have or what supply they may have in
their cisterns.
Capt. Vinton being on detached service, places me
in the position of Acting Major of this battalion as
I find, on comparing my date with that of his appoint-
ment, that I rank him. This may separate me from
my Compy., but as the battalion is small it is hardly
worth while to place me on duty as field officer.
Our sutlers have not yet arrived, so that we are now
living on the commissary stores, or have to pay the
prices asked by the sharpers who follow us. This
morning I priced a few luxuries as follows : Irish potatoes
$6.00 a barrel, sheep $5.00 apiece, and pigs $2.50.
You may readily suppose that we cannot indulge
frequently in such expensive luxuries. I find every-
body here, many of my old friends whom I have not
seen for very many years.
I saw Genl. Scott a few moments since; he gave
me a very hearty shake of the hand, but as it is mail day,
I did not stop to see him. As you always feel an
interest in the "G's" I am glad that I can give a
76 An Artillery Officer
favorable report of them. Our old friend Derr takes
most fatherly and affectionate care of me. He fre-
quently comes to me with a nice piece of pork or bacon
which he has put aside for me, and every morning and
evening brings me a cup of coffee or tea. The married
men are all well — indeed there is only one man in the
Compy. who is on the sick report.
The Steamer McKimm arrived yesterday without
a mail. This is really too trying. 'T is not often
we have opportunities of hearing, but that the vessels
which arrive do not bring in letters is too bad. I
must soon receive your letters. I know that several
are on the way for me. I hear our men criticising our
Navy, as they say that a ship has just entered the
harbor of Vera Cruz having evaded the blocking
squadron.
The weather to-day is very pleasant, and from the
appearance of the skies, I think we may hope for a
continuance of it. As soon as I get my tent, which
will be to-day I think, I shall resume, as far as my camp
duties will permit, my daily talks with you. That
mode of writing is much the most satisfactory one to
me, as when I lie down at night I feel much better
satisfied with myself than when I have not written.
Tell Father that the sight of our Army on the beach,
the morning after we landed, before we had dispersed
to take our positions aroimd the City, was a glorious
one — about ten thousand men under arms, and most
of them in motion. We have now about fourteen thou-
sand men, as our numbers have been daily increased.
Some of our troops are not up yet.
Saturday, March 13th.
I feel at home, almost, with my pen in hand, seated
In Mexico n
in my tent commencing one of my regular talks with
you. My company baggage was received this evening,
and I am seated for the first time in my own tent.
Captain Austen of the Pa. Volunteers who, I men-
tioned, wanted to serve with me, returned to camp to-
day. He accompanied us, the day after we landed, to our
position immediately in front of our present encamp-
ment, and was so unwell as to be compelled to return
to the steamer. I learn from him that he is a regular
correspondent of the New Orleans Delta, and of the
Baltimore Sun. He tells me that in his last letter
to the Delta, he mentioned that I was well. This
information was most kindly meant for you, but he
did not know where you were, or he would have had
a copy sent to you. I am sorry that he mentioned my
name at all as the custom of recording everybody's
deeds has become so common, that it is almost more
creditable not to be among the distinguished.
Col. Totten has been reconnoitring to-day, and has
decided, I presume, to place several mortars at Cap-
tain Vinton's position on the sea beach. I would
attempt a sketch of oiur encampment, but for two
reasons; firstly, that I am pretty certain the news-
papers will present you with an authentic map of the
encampment of the besieging army of Vera Cruz, and
secondly, that my talent in that Une is so well known
to you, that I am convinced you will readily excuse
me for not making the attempt.
i have just returned from Tattoo; we are very
military here: all the officers attend roll-calls, and as I
expect the enemy will be alarmed again to-night, and
commence firing, which will call us up, I shall very
soon retire. Unless I can get a good night's rest, I
shall be worth very Httle, and we have advanced so
78 An Artillery Officer
far, that we may be called to otir work at any time.
Derr has just brought me a cup of coffee: the kind
creature knew that I had had none for supper. Good-
night, good-night.
Sunday night, March 14th.
The investment of the City being complete, an
advance was ordered this morning, from each brigade.
The companies were ordered to drive the Mexicans
and their pickets into the City. The advanced de-
tachments are this evening within about seven
hundred yards of the City.
Genl. Scott sent an answer this morning to the
French and Spanish Consuls who made some appli-
cation to him, probably in relation to protection.
The Genl.'s answer is said to have been equivalent to
this: "As far as posssible you shall be protected,
but when the batteries open on the town, I can give
you no assiu^ance that you or yom- property may not be
injured ; you had better leave the City ; I will give you
a safe guard to enable you to do so." There has been
but little activity in the firing to-day.
A Norther has been raging all day, and a detach-
ment of two thousand two hundred men has been
sent towards Anton Lizards to look after a ship,
reported to be ashore, with Lt. Col. Duncan's battery
on board. It is now so late, my tent having been
full, till after Tattoo, of Naval officers kept on shore
by this storm, that I will bid you good-night. To-
morrow night, I hope that I shall be master of my own
time. Good-night.
Monday, 15th.
As it is blowing very violently to-night, I hope that
In Mexico 79-
no one will interrupt me. Yesterday, we had a very-
respectable blow, which lulled after midnight, and this
morning, though there was a cloudy horizon, I enjoyed
a most magnificent view of the peak of Orizaba. I will
not attempt a description of its glorious beauty;
towering among the clouds with its rosy peak re-
flecting the rays of the sun — which was invisible to us —
rising as it did, behind dense clouds, with its sides
concealed from view by broken masses of clouds
resting on them, it formed a glorious and majestic
object. Would that we could have enjoyed the sight
of it together, but I do not want you to come here to
partake of this enjoyment. We will be well contented
to participate the delight of seeing more unpretending
scenery in our own dear land. I hope that among the
thousands congregated here, there may be some with
a sufficiency of our friend Weir's talent to paint the
landscape presented to our view this morning. We
are now witnesses to the truth of the saying, that
when the Orizaba is plainly seen, you may be sure
that the Norther is close at hand. The wind com-
menced freshening about nine this morning, and
soon became a gale which is now sweeping the sand so
rapidly through our Camp as to make it very difficult
to find our way from one tent to another. Our only
chance of comparative comfort is either to remain at
home with closed tent, or to move with handker-
chiefs closely drawn over the head.
A vessel got on the breakers in attempting to run
into our anchorage at Lizards ; she will, I fear, if this
Norther does not soon abate, be a total wreck. Col.
Harney is said to be on board with some three or
four companies of the 2nd Dragoons. Our friends
in Vera Cruz have been throwing a few shells at us
80 An Artillery Officer
to-day, some coming, accidentally, rather nearer than
was comfortable.
Last night, a mail was intercepted ; the letters say
that there is a scanty supply of provisions which will
last but a short time. Addresses in bad English were
also taken at the same time, calling on the Volunteers
to desert, promising them rich lands, in healthy regions,
where the best tropical fruits grow, etc. This morning
a courier was taken who was the bearer of a
despatch from the City Authorities to the Governor
of this state, complaining that no aid had been fur-
nished, stating their condition, the scarcity of pro-
visions, etc. They are, in fact, so completely surrounded
by our troops, that it must be a dangerous thing
for even individuals to enter or leave the City.
Genl. Scott has decided, I suspect, not to commence
firing upon the City, but to open his batteries on the
Castle. He does this, knowing that if the Castle
be brought to terms, the City falls as a matter of
course, and that we will then be masters of the City,
without the dreadful effusion of the blood of women
and children, which must ensue from a bombardment of
the City. This is just like him, ever instigated by the
most humane and generous feelings. I have been in-
terrupted, and must now bid you good-night. God
preserve you.
Tuesday, i6th.
The day has passed, without the occurrence, as far
as I have heard, of any things of note. A few Volun-
teers, who strayed some miles out of our lines report that
they were fired on by some hxindred Infy. and about two
hundred Cavalry. They are supposed to be troops from
Alvarado who desire to enter the City. Whether they
SJ5
ft
O rt
s
In Mexico 8i
will attempt to force an entrance, and on finding how
closely the City is invested, will abandon the attempt,
the occurrences of the night will prove.
This morning among some prisoners taken, one
dropped a club near one of our guard fires, which on
examination was found to contain a letter from a man
in Vera Cruz, to a brother in Puebla, underrating our
numbers, and stating that if any assistance was to be
given, it should be done at once, as the supply of
provisions was small. This club was very cunningly
devised, for a mail club. A hole had been bored in
the centre, the letter introduced, a plug of the same
wood driven in, and then the stick sawed off through
the plug. The fact is, I presume, that the poor fami-
lies are already feeling the horrors of a siege, and are
eagerly looking around for succor. Would that the
siege was over!
I fear that aU Genl. Scott's foresight will not be
able to guard against, and prevent the perpetration
of most shocking acts of brutality in the taking of the
City. I shall exert my powers to the utmost to aid
him in stopping such tmchristian and brutal acts.
Major G. just stopped at my tent and asked to
whom I was writing, and said he would return as he
wanted to send a message to Genl. Clinch, whom,
he says, "You know I adore very much." He has
now gone to his tent, to see whether his command is
under arms to go out to-night or not. Capt. Vinton
designs attempting to take a Cavalry Vidette which
has been for some nights in his neighborhood, and
three companies have been ordered out to assist.
This is the duty Maj. G. thinks he may have to be
occupied in to-night. The Maj. has not, I am sorry
to say, become a teetotaler. He has been drinking
82 An Artillery Officer
very deeply before coming down. I shall try and keep
him from throwing himself away, as he is too gallant
and noble-minded to be permitted to destroy himself.
Fearing that we may be kept awake by alarms
through the night, I will now retire, praying that God
may give you that peace of mind and happiness
enjoyed by good Christians. Good-night.
Wednesday, 17th.
The mail, thank God, brought this evening your
letter of the eighteenth Feb. The mail preceding
yoxir letter had brought you news from Tampico
up to the day we arrived there. Your next mail
must have given you at least two letters from me.
I know now how miserable you must have been made
by each arrival of a mail bringing nothing from me.
You have, however, since that time, unless the Post
Office has played you false, received some letters.
Every succeeding mail must have given you one and
generally two letters. You must not, my wife, be
uneasy if you do not receive letters by every mail.
For although I shall write by every opporttmity, still
you must recollect that the vessels carrying them may
be several days on the passage. We were, be it re-
membered (I am sure you always will), twenty-two
days from Tampa to Tampico. Again, letters may
remain some time in New Orleans, and a mail may well
be missed at Savannah. All of these might keep you
from receiving my letters for two or three mails.
This will try you severely, my wife, but it is best
to look at the worst shade of the picture.
I think that I shall close this letter to-night, for the
chance of a vessel's going to-morrow, as I know that
until you hear of Vera Cruz being taken, you will not
In Mexico 83
have one moment's peace. But, with such an Army
as we have and against such an enemy, the chances are
that after one hour's firing of our Mortars, the City
will raise the white flag. This leads, of course, at once,
to a capitulation. Genl. Scott will be as liberal to-
wards the Vera Cruzians as his duty to his own Govt,
will permit.
You write that the ten Regt. Bill has passed, and
ask if I am not going to be promoted. My wife, you
have forgotten the provision of the bill requiring
the President to make the selections of Cols., Lt. Cols.,
and Majors during the session of Congress. Those
of us who are here could not possibly through our own
agency have exerted the least influence in procuring
advancement, as all the appointments must have been
made before ovii letters could have reached Wash-
ington, and perhaps before they might have reached
New Orleans.
No minor appointment would I, of course, agree to
take. I would not give up my Captaincy in my Regt.
for anything below a Lt. Colonelcy or a Majority in
one of the new Regts. From the decided hostility
evinced by President Polk to the Army, and his eager
desire to secure political influence in his appointments,
I have no doubt that all the exertions which might
have been made by my friends would have been disre-
garded. The President in his appointments for the
Rifle Regt. when gratitude towards gallant men, who
by their valor had saved his administration, demanded
some recognition, spoke as plainly to the Army as
actions could speak, stating that we need expect
nothing from him. For myself, I am becoming pretty
thoroughly disgusted with the way in which the Army
is treated, and care very little about remaining in it
84 An Artillery Officer
after the close of this war. This disgust is felt by very
many, some of whom will undoubtedly resign as soon
as peace is declared. God grant that the happy tidings
may soon be heard in our land.
Everything has been pretty quiet about the lines
to-day. A few shells and shots have been thrown,
but no one has, I think, been injured. The storm so
far abated to-day as to permit us to resume the landing
of oux Mortars and guns ; ten of the former are now on
the beach. To-morrow, I hope, will place us in
possession of fifteen or twenty more — and then a few
days only will be required to place them in position.
That want of food would soon compel the [City and
Castle to sturender (?)] is a very general camp impres-
sion ; but on this point, as well as on all others relating
to the siege, Genl. Scott's information is much more
accurate than ours. I have just heard that another
mail is here. I will reserve the rest of this space for
to-morrow, as I may hear from you again.
Tuesday, i8th.
I have just received orders to go out with our Bat-
talion to establish a Mortar Battery and will not be
able to write any more to-night.
March 19th.
We were out engaged in making a battery for Mortars
all night, returning into Camp at half -past four o'clock.
We worked without being discovered. I threw the
first shovelful of earth in breaking ground for the attack
on Vera Cruz! I think, from their firing to-day,
that they have discovered our work, as they have fired
over a hundred shot and shell since ten o'clock.
Lieut. Hill has just informed me that the Massa-
In Mexico 85
chusetts will go to New Orleans to-morrow. I must,
as he is waiting to take charge of this letter for me,
now close. May God Almighty protect and guard my
wife. Be of good cheer, I shall continue, as punc-
tually as practicable, my daUy letters, and hope to
give you good news. Love to Father and the family.
No. 3. March 19th.
Having deposited No. 2 in the Post Office this
afternoon I now commence our evening's chat, with
No. 3, though to say the truth I feel so stupid that
I shall prove very sorry company. As it will be
impolite for me either to go to sleep, or to evince great
stupidity, it will be well for me at once to excuse myself
by stating why I cannot act better.
Last afternoon, at the request of Genl. Worth, I
accompanied a party of officers on a visit to the out-
posts, the Genl. stating that our command was destined
for the advance pickets to-morrow night. On my
return, I flattered myself with the hope of having a
comfortable sleep, as the enemy had been very quiet
through the day, having thrown very few shot or
shell.
Our Camp (3rd Arty.), I may as well here state, is
south of Vera Cruz, say two and a half miles off, and
having a high sand hill sixty or eighty feet high be-
tween us and the City, forming an excellent protection.
We are just at its base, in a little triangle having
smaller sand hills on the two other sides. My hopes
of having a quiet night were, however, doomed to be
sadly wrecked.
We had just finished otu- frugal evening meal when
we heard the well known clatter of the sword of the
Staff Officer, who usually brings orders to the Camp.
86 An Artillery Officer
Col. Belton's call for Mr. Austine soon followed, and
we were informed that two hundred men were required
from our Camp, to report immediately to Col. Totten
on the beach, the men to have their arms slung, with
one half dozen cartridges in their pockets, "G" Co.
was soon ready.
We marched to the Engineer depot where the men
were furnished with picks, spades, and axes, each man
having two of different kinds of these articles. A
yotmg Engineer was our pilot and we silently took
up our line of march in single file.
The night was very favorable for our obtaining our
position unperceived, the night being dark, with a mist
amounting almost to a gentle drizzling rain. We lost
our way and approached to within five or six hundred
yards from the City, where we could hear the voices
of the sentinels and men in the town very distinctly.
Our young Engineer took some two or three men and
searched for the position we were to occupy; after an
hour's absence he returned and led us on. We found
Capt. Lee and Lt. Smith expecting us. The men were
at once ordered into the area enclosed by the cords
marking the outlines of the battery and set to work
cutting away the brush or digging and throwing the
earth into an embankment designed as a protection
against the balls of the Castle and town for those who
will man the battery to be placed there. I, of course,
threw out the first spadeful.
With occasional relieves from some forty Marines,
the men of "G" Co. worked till about half -past three,
when the relieving Engineers came. Our men then
placed their working tools in order on the ground,
and resuming their Arms we quietly retraced our way to
Camp, where we arrived a little before five, not having
In Mexico 87
been honored with a shot or shell from Castle, City,
or even from a stray ranchero.
We met the men who were to relieve us, on our way
down. They must have reached their work about the
time we reached Camp. We left the work in such a
state as to protect them pretty effectually from the shot
of the enemy. They have not, however, succeeded in
accomplishing their tour of duty (twelve hours) un-
perceived and unsaluted, as the enemy have been
firing at their embankment ever since about eleven
this morning when they were probably first noticed.'
Our party commenced two works about one htandred
yards apart and three quarters of a mile from the town.
Capt. Edson was at the other work. To-night I pre-
sume the relieving party will take up timber to make
a platform for the mortar beds to rest upon, and to-
morrow night I suppose the mortars with the shells
will be put in place.
We hear this evening that another ship has arrived
with Ordnance; I hope that she brings about twenty
mortars, as we can use that number to great advantage.
We hear also from a captured Mexican that there has
been a pronunciamiento in Mexico (the City) declaring
that those who made the war might fight it. Doubtful.
Now as you know that I am no sleeper in the day,
am I not excusable for being stupid? Tattoo is now
beating and I must attend. I attend with my officers
all roll-calls now, as we are in the presence of the enemy.
Just returned; as the town is quiet, I hope they will
let me have a quiet night, though they may attempt
annoying our working parties; if so it will annoy me
more than I wish.
March 20th.
How vain are our hopes, some of them. Instead
88 An Artillery Officer
of being permitted to pass my night quietly in my
tent as I hoped, I was on picket all night with the
Compy. I had just composed myself for sleep when
I heard a few musketry shot from some of the outer
pickets; this was soon followed by the generate when I
was quickly at the head of the Compy. After the
expiration of some fifteen minutes a staff officer gal-
loped up to where Col. Belton was standing and directed
him by order of Genl. Worth to detach a Compy. of
his command for outlying picket service. It being
my turn for service I was soon en route and took post
for the night. Not an enemy, or anything a sane man
could have taken to be one, was seen. Diiring the
night there was some firing by the camp pickets, but
the cowardly fears of the sentinels caused them.
To-night our battalion goes out as the advance
pickets, but, as the Navy is going to amuse the town
during the night by throwing shot and shells, I pre-
sume that we shall have very little to excite us. The
object of the Navy's firing to-night is to withdraw
the attention of the Military in the City from our
batteries, which it is intended to arm during the
night.
Ten more mortars have arrived so that we shall
now have an armament which will authorize us to
open our batteries with every prospect of success
upon the town. Yesterday they threw, as counted
by one of the officers, one hundred and seventy-
four shot and shells, and not a single man was hurt.
One man, as he was stooping at his work, lost from
a shot his suspenders, which were in a kind of knot
at his back. Two Mexicans were killed by the pick-
ets of the 2nd Brigade, in an attempt to pass through
our lines from town.
In Mexico 89
Our Army in the line of investment, extends about
seven miles. You may imagine how difficult it is
for any person to state the daily events which take
place in the Army. The health of the Compy. with
very few and trifling exceptions, is good. All the
married men are well, except Corp. Devit who has
had a slight touch of ague ; he is, however, nearly fit for
duty.
My health, with the exception of the cold which
separated me from the Compy. at Tampico, has been
better than it was when I was at Tampa Bay. In my
tent I have more comforts than almost any one I have
seen in camp. And I have india-rubber cloth and my
old cloak which protect me from the dews of night,
and keep me warm enough when I am on detailed
service from our Camp.
When we go out on duty, we leave a few men to
guard the Camp, and leave everything standing. Each
officer and man takes with him in his haversack
provisions to last him his time of service. Old Derr I
sometimes take, but not always, as he is frequently
more serviceable in taking care of my things than in
accompanying us. As yet we have only been enjoying
the comforts of the soldiers' rations, but as the Sutlers
are now arriving, we shall soon be supplied with
anything we want.
As I spoiled the last letter by crossing, I think I
shall not cross this one, but continue it by taking an-
other sheet. This method presents, too, this advantage,
that as soon as I hear that a vessel is about to sail,
I can at once despatch the sheet or sheets which I have
finished. Every few days I thus have a letter on
hand for the mail. I shall now make some preparation
for going out to-night. Good-bye, etc., etc.
90 An Artillery Officer
Sunday, 21st.
Tattoo. You see by my closing lines that I did not
intend crossing this letter, but as I hear that the
Princeton leaves the Squadron to-morrow for the
United States, I must, at the risk of giving you a little
guessing, add a few lines. We have just returned
from our tour of advanced picket duty. We had a
quiet night as the enemy made no attempt to harass us.
The platforms for the Mortar batteries were laid for
six mortars to-day. The mortars will be taken to
their positions to-night, and probably to-morrow we
may commence firing. I do not think the City can
stand many days' firing, and would not be surprised were
my next letter addressed to you from the City of Vera
Cruz. Good-night. May God guard and protect you.
Tuesday morning, 23rd.
The Engineer has just told me that six mortars
were placed in position last night.
No. I. Besieging Camp, Vera Cruz, Mex.
March 23rd.
Again has my plan of writing a little to you each
day been interfered with. Yesterday morning I
went into the trenches and took charge of one of the
Mortar batteries. We remained on duty twenty-four
hours, and as we were engaged every minute of that
time either in firing, or in something connected with
that duty, I had neither opportvmity nor time for
writing. The operations are now rapidly advancing;
a new battery of heavy gims under Naval Officers
was opened this morning.
'This letter "No. I " of March 23d appears to be No. 4 of the
series written from the Camp near Vera Cruz.
In Mexico 91
To-morrow morning a heavy battery of twenty-
four pounders and of eight-inch howitzers (six pieces
in all) will be opened. In addition to what we are
using, eighteen Mortars arrived yesterday. These, when
in position, will give us twenty-eight Mortars which,
with the batteries of heavy guns above alluded to,
must soon compel the City to surrender.
In my last letter I think that I mentioned that
Genl. Scott had summoned the City to surrender, and
that a civil negative was returned. Our Mortars
commenced firing the moment that answer was received,
and have continued the fire night and day. We have
no means of ascertaining the amoimt of injury in-
flicted on the City, but I fear that the destruction of
life must be very great.
It really goes to my heart to be compelled to do
my duty when I know that every shot either injures
or seriously distresses the poor inoffensive women and
children, who have neither part nor lot in the War.
On our side the loss in numbers is trifling.
I regret that I have to announce the death of an
Officer of the 3rd whom you saw at Charleston.
Capt. Vinton was killed by an eight-inch howitzer,
which appeared to have struck him on the side of his
head, and to have rolled along down his face and
breast. So near was the force of the shell spent, that
the skin on his side face was not broken.
I make my men protect themselves carefully in the
battery and have had not an injury of any seriousness
among them. Sergt. Foster will be excused from duty
for a few days in consequence of a slight cut made by
the fragments of a shell. In my own case, I look with
confidence to the protecting care of our Heavenly
Pather who has shielded us both in many dangers.
92 An Artillery Officer
I hope that my next letter will inform you that Vera
Cruz with its celebrated Castle is in our possession.
The moment we are Masters here, I presume that we
shall be marched into the interior to some healthy
position. Genl. Scott suggested that, the day of the
summons. I was dining with him on that day; the
summons was sent by Capt. Johnston, Topographical
Engineers.
Great enthusiasm prevails throughout the Army, and
all cheerfully perform the duties reqviired of them.
The Companies are sometimes on duty three days
in succession, as was the case with "G" Co. last week,
but there was no grumbling. And, although they were
on duty all day yesterday and last night, there was no
exhibition of dissatisfaction when I mentioned that
they wotild be on the same duty to-morrow. An
Army with such feelings will never flinch from the
performance of any duty.
I shall leave the remainder of this sheet for this
evening's news, as I hope to have a half hour to myself,
in which I shall resume, for this evening at least, my
delightful night's chat with you.
Evening.
Nothing of interest to communicate to-night. I
have just returned from a visit to Col. Totten, the
Chief Engineer, to see his map of the City. Lt.
Scammon has kindly furnished me with a copy in-
dicating the points of most interest to us in oxir opera-
tions. I sincerely hope that a few days firing will show
them the inutility of longer delaying the svurender, and
that the taking of this, connected with Genl. Taylor's
glorious whipping of Santa Anna, will have a favorable
effect in tending to an early termination of this un-
In Mexico 93
fortunate War. I think that kilHng people is a very-
poor way of settling National grievances.
I hope that we shall stay long enough in Vera Cruz
for me to procure you a few articles of Spanish brass,
etc., which I will send by some vessel returning to the
United States. Genl. Scott told me to-day that this
letter must be sent to his quarters early to-morrow ; I
will therefore not run the risk of keeping it open till the
morning, as I might not have time to close and direct it,
before leaving camp. I shall therefore be compelled
to make a short letter of it, and give it to Yawn to-night ;
he will be left in camp to-morrow, with instructions
for him to take it to Genl. Scott's Hd. Qrs. soon after
breakfast.
You must not worry yourself by the idea that this
constant work is wearing me down; my health is ex-
cellent; the only thing I have to complain of is that
having lost the plug from one of my teeth it annoys
me by feeling sore. Thus you see that I have
a personal interest in inducing the Vera Cruzians to
let us enter their inhospitable gates. I shall expect
to be blessed with a series of letters from you on re-
turning from this tour of duty. Give my best love
to Father and all the family.
No. 5. Besieging Camp near Vera Cruz.
March 27, 1847.
"Te Deum Laudamus." Commissioners were asked
for by the Mexicans yesterday, and from the suspen-
sion of the firing this morning, the inference may fairly
be drawn that terms are now being discussed for the
surrender of Vera Cruz. But as this is a most im-
portant event in our Army affairs, and as yesterday
was an important and interesting date in our own, it
94 An Artillery Officer
may be best for me to give as distinctly as I can trace
them, the incidents connected with my last day's
tour of duty in the batteries.
The morning of the 25th, leaving camp at four a.m.,
we reached the batteries in about a quarter of an hour ;
in a few moments we opened our fires on the devoted
City. My position was in Battery No. I where I had
been on the 23rd. Finding that there was a pretty
good supply of ammunition, I soon accelerated the
rapidity of my fires, till we threw a shell from the
battery every minute, giving them twenty shells an
hour from each of my three pieces. The Mexican
batteries for a short time paid particular attention
to us, but finding that they were also under a heavy
fire from the other batteries of our line, they were
compelled to make a more equitable distribution of
their favors and we were soon left to the enjoyment
of only our share of their shells.
Sometime in the afternoon, perhaps between four
and five, I observed a white flag approaching the
Mexican battery nearest to our lines. I instantly
suspended the fire of my battery, and sent word to the
commanders of the other batteries to do the same.
The flag approached, a shot was fired over the heads
of the party bearing it (an officer, interpreter, and
sergeant) and a white flag rapidly run up and down at
the battery; the flag again approached, another shot
was thrown over the party, which halted for a minute
or two, and again approached; another shot brought
the party to a full halt, when in a few minutes a party
of three Mexicans was seen approaching oiu" flag.
A polite salutation informed us that the conference had
commenced. It lasted but for a few moments, when
the parties separated and returned.
In Mexico 95
Our flag, it appears, was an answer from Genl. Scott
to an application received the day before from the Con-
suls requesting that they might be permitted with their
families to leave the City, and that this permission
might be extended to the women and children. Genl.
Scott's answer is said to have been a negative.
The excitement at the battery when the Mexicans
fired the second and third shot over our flag was in-
tense. They were anxious for me to open my fires upon
that battery, but knowing that the language of the
shot was simply, "Don't advance," I declined doing so.
Col. Belton came up a short time afterwards, when I
reported to him my reasons for discontinuing the fire ;
this was approved by him, and also by Col. Bankhead
our "Chief of ArtiUery."
About nightfall I was ordered not to fire until the
Mexican batteries opened their fires, and then to return
it vigorously. This order was, however, limited to
the time of the completion of some work on which
the Engineers were employed. Finding at twenty
minutes past two on the morning of the 26th that
everything was ready, I gave the signal by firing one
of the mortars at the Castle of San Juan d'Ulua. The
thundering boom of this piece was soon answered
by our whole line; in about twenty minutes I heard
the notes of a bugle in the City; it discontinued and
was again repeated. I told Col. Belton that it was a
signal I was not familiar with, and that I supposed it
might be a " parley . ' ' On hearing the same notes a third
time I was authorized to cease firing. This was done
in the expectation of the flag of truce being sent to one
of our batteries. A picket was advanced to receive
him, but as no one approached, after a silence of
about half an hour, we resumed and continued our
96 An Artillery Officer
firing till we were relieved at five o'clock yesterday
morning.
On our way home we were overtaken by the severest
Norther I have experienced; on coming into camp,
blinded with dust, we found many of the tents down.
Mine still stands, a wreck, the fly torn to pieces and
the tent torn nearly through along the ridge pole.
Yesterday morning very early, a Mexican came to
Genl. Scott's tent with a note from the officer second
in command (stating that Genl. Morales was sick)
asking the appointment of Commissioners to make
arrangements for the surrender of the City. Genl.
Scott replied that he had already named Commis-
sioners (Genl. Worth, Genl. Pillow, and Col. Totten).
To this Genl. Morales replied by stating that he had
appointed Commissioners to meet ours to enter into
arrangements for the surrender of the City and Fort.
The Commissioners met and disagreed ; it is said that
the instructions given to the Mexican Commissioners
authorized them to assent to the surrender, the troops
to march out with colors flying, taking their Arms, etc.
This was of course, declined by ours, and they sepa-
rated with the understanding that if the white flag
was not raised at six o'clock this morning, our firing
would be resumed.
No firing has yet taken place, the Commissioners are
now in the City, and the white flag is occasionally
passing and repassing, coming, I presume, to Genl.
Scott for specific instructions on the points raised
during the discussion of the terms.
I omitted mentioning in the proper place that the
Mexican batteries did return our fires yesterday
morning; thus has the 3rd the honor of being on
duty when the parley was sounded, and (if this dis-
In Mexico 97
cussion leads to a surrender) when the last gun was
fired from their batteries.
I commenced this letter, intending to send it by the
Princeton, but as I learn that a mail is being made
up for a ship to New Orleans, and as the Princeton
may delay till the termination of the discussion which
may be spun out for a day or two, I think I shall send
it to New Orleans.
Genl. Scott deserves, and I hope will receive, all credit
with his countrymen for the almost bloodless triumph
he will attain by the surrender. God grant that this
may lead to an arrangement by which this unfortunate
war wiU be closed. The Navy have suffered very
severely at their battery; during their first day's fire,
they lost four sailors, and on the second day. Mid-
shipman Shubrick and one sailor were killed and two
were wounded.
In a skirmish on the 25th we lost a few men — the
numbers I do not know. But all our loss is very little
compared with those of the other battles which have
taken place during the war, much less than any one
could reasonably have expected. The Mexicans have
fired with great accuracy, but our men have been well
protected, firstly, by the position of oxa camp, and
secondly, by the parapets, etc., formed for the protection
of our batteries.
We have peculiar reasons for remembering the 26th;
let us then unite with all our hearts in thanks to our
Heavenly Father for so glorious an addition to our
reasons for thankful rejoicings at the return of that day.
I have been thus far shielded from danger by His hand,
and pray that He may soon retiim me to my darling
family, to leave them no more.
A quarter past one p.m. The Commissioners have
98 An Artillery Officer
not yet returned, and as I am fearful that I may miss the
mail, I think that I had better close my letter and
mail it at once. A mail may go without my being
informed of it. The rumor now is that Genl. Scott
has, in consideration of the value of the acquisition
of the Castle San Juan, etc., consented to permit the
soldiers to go into the interior as prisoners of War.
No. 6. Camp Washington, near Vera Cruz, Mex.
March 27 th.
No. 5 has been sent to the Post Office to take its chance
for a mail to New Orleans; this will, I think, go by the
Princeton which will bear Genl. Scott's despatches.
I have this moment returned from Genl. Scott's Hd.
Qrs. where I learned that the position of the negotiation
is this. The Mexican proposition was that the Officers
and men were to march out with arms and equipments,
with colors flying, to go into the interior to some
designated point, the citizen soldiery not to be mo-
lested for the part they had taken in the War, the citizens
to be protected in their personal property, their religion
not to be interfered with, that in the event of hostilities
being resumed, the women and children to be permitted
to leave the City, etc.
Genl. Scott declined their first proposition and de-
mands that the officers and men should be siurendered as
prisoners of War, the officers to be paroled, and finally
consented, that the men instead of being sent to the
United States, might be sent into the interior, on a
pledge from their officers that they should not serve
during the War; of course he assented to the request
about private property and not interfering with
the religion of the people; to the request about the
In Mexico 99
women and children leaving the City, if hostilities were
resumed, he gave a prompt denial.
The details of the affair will be drawn up by the
Commissioners under the instructions of the Genl.,
which are very particular, and you will soon see them
in all the papers, as the Editors of the Picayune are
here collecting everything that takes place.
As I mentioned in my letter No. 5, General Morales
resigned, turning over the command to Genl. Jose
Juan de Landero. Genl. Landero now states that
Genl. Morales did not place him in command of the
Castle of "Ulua" and that its commander is not
responsible to him. The Commissioners express an
apprehension that the Castle may not consent to the
terms agreed upon, and one of them had, at the last
advices, gone to the Castle to ascertain whether he could
not bring the garrison to consent to the terms proposed.
The difficulty appears to be this, that, though we
have inflicted most serious destruction on the City,
the soldiery has, as yet, suffered very little, and they
fear that it may be thought that they ought to have
suffered more before surrendering. We are now well
prepared for commencing operations against the Castle,
as, the City being ours, we can turn all of our gtms
against it. One of Col. Bomford's Columbiads has
been received, and it will be found a very formidable
addition to oiir Armament.
I think that I am not too sanguine when I assert
it as my opinion that this celebrated Castle will fall
in about one week's firing. Genl. Scott will probably
keep the soldiers here until our forces make one or
two marches into the interior. But I will make no
further speculations as I may to-morrow be able to
give you an epitome of the treaty.
loo An Artillery Officer
Luckily I have not been sent to the batteries to-day
and am not under orders for to-morrow, so that I shall
get a good night's rest, make up for the loss of sleep
this siege has caused me. Good-night, may our
Heavenly Father watch over and protect you.
Sunday morning, 28th.
I learn this morning that the Articles of Capitulation
have been signed and approved, and that the Princeton
will leave early this morning with Genl. Scott's de-
spatches. This event is a glorious one for our arms,
and has been effected principally by Arty. ; indeed not
a musket has been fired against the City; some skir-
mishes have taken place with a few lancers and other
troops hanging aroimd the outskirts of our Camp. I
shall now take my letter to Genl. Scott's Camp where I
may learn some facts which may be of interest.
Genl. Scott is so much engaged that I have not
approached him. The Articles have been signed, the
troops are to evacuate the City and Castle to-morrow
morning at ten o'clock, to lay down their arms, the Of-
ficers retaining their side arms, to be paroled, pledging
themselves that neither they nor their men shall serve
again during the War, imless exchanged, the Officers
to retain their private baggage, the Castle, Town, and
Forts surrendered with all their armament and public
stores, the private property of the citizens to be re-
spected, etc.
We are this morning very much disgusted with Com-
modore Perry, who, after the terms of the Capittdation
had been agreed upon and signed, wrote a presumptuous
note to Genl. Scott, demanding the right to affix his
name to that paper. Genl. Scott has deemed proper to
admit him to sign it as a matter of courtesy. The fact
In Mexico loi
of his signature being affixed will be taken as proof
positive that he was of material assistance in reducing
the City, when the fact is, that since he came, but
little has been done. The Naval battery was estab-
lished by the orders of Commodore Conner, and Com-
modore Perry's first official communication to Genl.
Scott declared that he could not supply their batteries
with powder.
Commodore Conner and all under him exerted them-
selves to the uttermost to assist, but they could, from
the circumstances of the case, etc., do but little more
than give us the all-important aid of their sailors. For
all this, Genl. Scott will in his Order give them full
credit. I would have a greater right to demand my
name to be affixed because I commanded a battery
during the siege, than Commodore Perry for what he
has done since his arrival !
No. 1. Juan d'Ulua, Mex.
Tuesday, March 30, 1847.
My cousin, Lt. Anderson brought me this morning
your letters of the 26th Feby. and 5th of March.
Thanks be to God for his care and protection of my
treasure. This information that you were well, gave
me much greater true pleasure than any I have ex-
perienced for a long time. I find that I must again
give you a hurried letter, as I learn that a vessel is
to sail to-morrow morning for the United States. I
shall therefore give you a few of the details of the
closing events of the last two days ; which will explain
why I have changed the No. and heading of my letter,
or, why I am here.
The 28th inst. we received orders directing Genl.
Worth, with his Brigade, to receive the arms of the
102 An Artillery Officer
Mexicans at ten a.m. That night, for the last time,
I hope, in this war, I was at one of the batteries.
The next morning about sunrise, Lt. Austine came to
my command, and directed me to return to Camp, as
my Compy. was one of those designated to garrison
the Castle of San Juan d'Ulua. I immediately re-
paired to Camp, and at half -past eight marched with
the rest of the Brigade to a large plain, taking our
position, the right of our line about one half a mile
from the main gates of the City, near the road to the
City of Mexico.
The Brigade of Genl. Patterson's Division was
facing us and say a quarter of a mile. We had been
on the plain but a short time when we heard the
Mexican bugle, and soon afterwards a salute to their
flag, which was lowered at Castle and Forts. Next
was heard the music of approaching bands, and was
seen the head of their columns.
The interesting period was now near when I was to
see a large Army lay down its arms at the feet of its
conquerors. After much passing on the part of our
gallant Genl. and his Aids, and infinite confusion on the
part of our Col., we were put in march, with several
other companies (destined to garrison the surrendered
Castle and Forts) towards the City gate — meeting
and passing close by the advancing prisoners of
war.
I will not attempt to describe their troops ; they wore
dresses of various colors, blue, red, and white predom-
inating; none of the companies looked to me like well
drilled troops; they were, however, a conquered army,
and, of course, could not have felt or exhibited much of
the haughty pride of the soldier. Again I may as
well confess that I did not look at them critically or
In Mexico 103
closely, as I was afraid they might detect something
of triumph in my countenance, when I thought them
so humiliated by their surrender that none should
have been exhibited, though we could not help feeling
it.
But upon entering the City, having passed about
five thousand of the Mexican Army before we reacheb
the walls, all feelings of pride were gone when I wit-
nessed the awful evidences of the deadly work of our
destructive shells; not a step was taken that we did
not see or stumble over the ruins we had made; in
many of the houses shells had fallen, and btirst, blowing
everything within them to ruins. The police had
been entirely neglected, and the smell of the filth was
very offensive.
Occasionally we saw men, women, and children
standing in the doorways or looking from the windows
upon om: rapidly advancing troops ; there was no scowl
or frown, but on the contrary no smiles welcomed us ;
the countenance bore more of sadness and sorrow than
of anger. I saw but little of the City ; my eye rested
only on the ruins, and it was with feelings of relief
I reached the end of the City, where we foimd boats
ready to convey our command to this place. A few
minutes landed us on this formidable work.
A Salute was fired, and the Stars and Stripes raised.
I then felt that we were in an American Castle. Soon
afterwards / fired a second Salute to the "Princeton,'" as
she passed us on her way home ; this salute was joyfully
given, as she bears two or three letters to my wife
informing her of the capture of City and Castle, and
of God's having preserved my life through the dangers
of the siege.
To-day we have received orders that for the present
104 An Artillery Officer
the three companies of the 3rd Arty, under Col.
Belton, are to compose the garrison of this place.
I shall therefore have ample leisure to study this work.
We find the quarters excessively filthy; they will not
answer for our men; we shall have to construct tem-
porary quarters on top of the present quarters which
are not sufificiently ventilated.
The troops in the Castle are said to have lost but one
man who was killed by the bursting of a shell thrown
from one of the mortars of the battery. I commanded
the last day of our firing. We were dealing de-
struction so heavily on the town that I thought I would
see if I could wake the Castle, hence the unauthorized
shell which killed this poor man.
Of the casualties in the City, I am afraid to enquire;
most heart-rending scenes undoubtedly occurred. The
British Consul lost a daughter about fifteen years
old, killed by the biu-sting of a shell. The Consul
does not blame any one but himself as he says he should
have left the City when Genl. Scott gave them pass-
ports to do so.
To-morrow, or as soon as transportation can be
procured, Genl. Twiggs will advance to the National
Bridge, thirty miles distant on the road to Mexico.
Jalapa is, I presume, to be the place where the Army
will take summer quarters. It is represented as
enjoying a delightful climate, perfectly healthy, and
sixty or seventy-five miles from this place. I hope
that as my good luck has, with the blessing of God, thus
far prevailed, I may not now have a change and be
settled down here during the summer months. I have
no great dread of the yellow fever, but do not wish
to be separated from the Army when something may
be done. The 3rd has had the good forttme to have
In Mexico 105
been at the batteries more than half the time the firing
lasted.
/ had the honor of firing with "G" Co. and a compy. of
the 2nd Arty, the first two Salutes ever given by the U. S.
troops in this justly celebrated work. The United States
in getting possession of this work, gets many very valu-
able guns, and a large quantity of Ord. Stores. Many
of the large guns are old Spanish pieces of the 17th
Century filled with curious devices and inscriptions.
The brass contained in the bronze of which they
are made, is of itself valuable. Here are also fine
English, French, and American pieces, some bear-
ing the well-known stamp W. P. F., West Point
Foundry.
As Col. Belton is to take this letter to town, and as
the boat has just been reported ready, I must close.
Give my love to Father, Mother, and the girls.
Before I close, let me beg you not to defer writing
till the last day. 'T is the worry of writing so long a
letter that gives you pains in your back. Do not make
writing so much a matter of business; write not more
than one page at a time and close it on mail day. Try
this and resolve not to break your rule of one page a
day, and all will be well.
No. 2. Ulua, Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Thursday, April ist.
Prestiming that I may consider myself as at home
for a few days at least in this "Fortaleza, " I com-
mence my daily chat with you on my largest paper.
The other day I wrote so htirriedly, that I merely
thanked you for your letters, but my answer like
most purporting to be such, did not give a reply to a
single one of your queries. Some of them are very
^o6 An Artillery Officer
hard to answer, but still I will give the best I can.
Before commencing, let me say that I found a sweet
little violet in the letter, which I have placed among
my treasures.
I have said nothing about your joining me, because
everything has been and still continues uncertain.
I could not write for you to come on, even if ordered
to remain at a given place, because the very next
day might order me to a remote part of the Coimtry.
What effect the glorious taking of Vera Cruz and of
this place will have on the question of peace or war,
we cannot tell.
Some of the Mexican officers who were received as
prisoners of war on the 24th inst. said that it would
protract the war. They probably spoke from the effect
of deeply mortified feelings. Could Genl. Scott now
be enabled to enter into correspondence with the Govt.
I would hope for the best results ; a few months might
then restore me to your side. Let us hope for the best.
Mexico is, however, exceedingly crippled; her great
General, he who was to rouse the slumbering energies
of the Nation, the Army's Hero, Santa Anna, has
been beaten by Genl. Taylor, and here we are in
peaceable possession of her strongest tower of defence.
The value of the armament of this Fortress, and of
the defences of the City is enormous. One hvmdred
and forty good gtms are in this place, many of them
fine iron guns cast at the West Point Foimdry, most
of them good bronze Spanish and French pieces,
which are very valuable. We find but a scanty supply
of provisions, but powder, ball, shells and guns,
howitzers or Columbiads, and mortars in the greatest
abundance.
We learn from citizens of Vera Cruz that they had
Ci-Eirt- Sj^^V.ITJ^ A^VHHA..
GENERAL SANTA ANNA
Fr-jm a lithograph
In Mexico 107
no idea that we were engaged in erecting our batteries
till a short time before we opened our fires. The ex-
pectation was that we would take the place by a storm-
ing party; everything was well prepared for this,
every street had its barricades, and most of the houses
had sandbags at the doors and windows, and on the
roofs. We should have met with very heavy losses
had we not approached the town as we did. This
fortress was also prepared for an assault, as the direct
passage along every part of the work is cut up by
piles of sandbags forming what we call "traverses."
My promise to get you to me or for me to take myself
to you, will, you may be asstired, be performed as soon
as either can with propriety be done.
Your suspicions about Corp. Hannel's jaundice
being yellow fever, were fortunately groundless, as a
day or two after reaching Tampico he was quite
restored. To your appeal for me to urge matters
with my friends to gain me promotion, my last letter
from camp, and since then the indecent conduct of
Mr. Polk has given a full answer. The President or
his advisers resorted to a practical lie to reward some
of their pets. The law of Congress declares that the
President is authorized to appoint an additional
Major to each Regt., "who shall be taken from the
Captains of the Army," and what does he do but
send to the Senate a man's name for a Captaincy in
the Army, and probably the very next meeting of the
Senate, nominates this individual as Major. Such
conduct is, I think, disgraceful.
Major Geo. Talcott received in the same envelope his
commissions as Capt. and Major. Could I do so with
honor, I would resign to-morrow rather than hold
a commission under an administration which has.
io8 An Artillery Officer
from the first day of its existence, shewn that it used
all means to destroy the pride and trample on the
rights of the Army particularly when that army has
by its gallant deeds plucked its drowning honors
from the deep. I cannot think with patience of the
gross acts of injustice practised towards some gallant
men in the Army.
Look at the case of my friend, Charles F. Smith. He
has been foremost in every battle in which he has been
engaged, and he has been in all save Genl. Taylor's last,
and he has not even received the notice of an empty
brevet. A man known and admired by all the Army
for his well-tried courage, his cool self-possession in
danger, and his high military attainments, and over this
man's head are placed a score of men whose sole
recommendation is that they or their friends have
proved faithful in their worship of the President's
party. Enough, enough.
It appears from letters received in camp from Maj.
Bliss and some others in Genl. Taylor's army that the
Illinois and Arkansas Volunteers ran like sheep from
Genl. T.'s battle-field. Poor Lincoln received his
death wound in trying to rally one of the Regts.
Lt. Col. H. Clay, it is said, was deserted after he had
been wounded, and was lanced by the Mexicans.
And stUl Genl. Taylor does not in his despatches
consign the cowards to merited infamy. This looks
very much like a squint at the Presidency.
A quarter past eight P.M. Col. Belton, Adjt. Austine,
and some others of our officers have returned from
town; they have sought to ascertain whether we are
to remain here, or to accompany the Army into the
interior. Their impression is that not more than one
Compy. wUl be left, that this Fortaleza and the armed
In Mexico 109
works in the City will be dismantled and the guarding
of this place be left mostly to the Navy. Should this
be true, I have a chance of spending the summer at
Jalapa, celebrated for its healthfulness, etc.
Capt. Wade has been kept by Col. Gates, at Tampico.
Capt. Wayne is here, as small as ever. The illustrious
patron keeps away from my company. The promotion
of Bvt. Capt. Taylor and Lt. Steptoe to fill the vacancies
of Bvt. Col. ChUds, made Additional Major, ist Arty.,
and Capt. Vinton, killed at his battery, will give the
patron command of the Compy. he is now serving
with, which is the Compy. about whose fate your
letter expresses solicitude.
Derr is still my right-hand man, and as kindly atten-
tive as he can be. I approve your suggestion about
Lassie and will thank you to ask Father to dispose of
her; he may make his own bargain. Her pedigree
which is before me, written by the Editor of the Spirit
of the Times, is. Lassie by Gohanna out of Isabella
by Sir Charles, her dam by American Eagle, g.g. dam
by Independence, g.g.g. dam by Jim Crack, g.g.g.g.
dam by Impd. Sharke out of a thoroughbred mare.
American Eagle by Impd. Spread Eagle, dam by Im.
Sharke, g. dam Atalanta by Lyndsay's Arabian, g.g.
dam Impd. Kitty Fisher. (See Turf Register, vol. 2,
page 622.) For Independence (grandson of Mary
Randolph and Annetta) see Turf Register, ditto for
Jim Crack's pedigree in full. This is horse learning
enough for you. I send her pedigree in full, because
any one who wants blood will find that of Lassie as
pure and good as any stock in the Country. I shall
dislike parting from her, but I know it is best.
Maj. Whiting, I hear, leaves Mexico for the United
States; he is not able to stand a summer's campaign
"o An Artillery Officer
here. You know, though, how weakly he is. I have
not heard of Mrs. Hawkins, but she would perhaps
do a good wife's part by joining her husband
April 2nd.
Having written at such length yesterday, I shall
write only a few lines to you to-night. News from the
City of Mexico informs us that they are there engaged
in a struggle, of the Peace party imder Herrera and the
Priesthood with Santa Anna, and Gomez Farias heading
the War party. It is said that the parties have been
fighting for three or four days in the streets.
The Army which surrendered to us on the 29th have
in the progress into the interior committed all kinds of
disgraceful excesses laying the cotmtry waste by pillage
and fire as they passed in.
The expedition to Alvarado under Genl. Quitman
met with no resistance; indeed I learn this evening
that a deputation was received by Genl. Scott from the
authorities there, a short time after the departvue of
the expedition, offering to surrender to the Army and
Genl. Scott. An expedition of about one thousand
men left this morning for some little place, Antigua,
some fourteen miles hence, where there are said to be
seven hundred Mexican soldiers. Could we now ad-
vance, the chances are that we might march direct upon
Mexico without having to fire a gun before reaching
that place. Rumor says that Genl. Taylor is advancing
to San Luis; doubtful. Col. Riley, another visitor to
Ulua, sends message to his dear friend the General
[Clinch]. Time for retiring, will bid you good-night.
April 3rd.
I commenced crossing No. 2 but recollecting that
GENERAL WILLIAM JENKINS WORTH
From an engraving by J. Sartain, after a daguerreotype
In Mexico m
you had but one mail a week, and that a series of letters
had been sent but a few days since, I thought it would
be better to give you a letter which could be read,
without that difficulty always existing with badly
written and crossed letters.
As otir Fortaleza is separated from Hd. Qrs. by one
half mile of water, I can only give you the rumors
which float to us from the City; many of them are,
subsequently to our first hearing them, found to be
incorrect; such as are important I wiU always try and
give you the last and true version of, but the minor
ones are not worth re-mentioning.
I find by orders received yesterday, that we (the
3rd Arty.) are brigaded with the 2nd Arty, and 4th
Infy., the brigade commanded by Col. Bankhead.
This promises that we may accompany the Army into
the Country, as it makes it Col. B.'s interest to keep
us with him, and he has much influence at Hd. Qrs.
Major Genl. W. G. Worth has issued his order dividing
his old Brigade into two Brigades, he commanding
them as a Division so that we belong now to the ist
Brigade, 1st Division.
I shall, if I can obtain a copy, send by this mail
the first number of the American Eagle published at
Vera Cruz. It gives a different version to the news
from the City of Mexico from that written yesterday
by me; this may be correction No. i of the Camp
rtunors. Genl. Santa Anna is there stated to have
joined the Priests' party, and opposed Gomez Farias.
This gives us a President versus his Vice-president.
Sunday morning, April 4th.
I was prevented by a succession of visitors from
writing more than the above note yesterday and must
112 An Artillery Officer
write as rapidly as I can till breakfast, as the steamer
Edith leaves this morning, I hear, for the United States
and I must have my letter mailed in time.
The news from Mexico is reported to be, that Santa
Anna has placed himself in the governmental seat,
but that both parties are for prosecuting the war
(correction No. 2).
Genl. Scott thinks, I was told yesterday, that tjie
difficulties between the two Governments will be
arranged in a few months. Genl. Worth, as you will
see by this paper, sent by this mail, is Governor of
Vera Cruz and this place. He is exerting himself to
clean the city, having pressed into the police service
some two hundred Mexican laborers. He feeds them
well, and they, I fancy, do not overwork themselves.
Confidence seems gradually gaining ground, shops
which were closed for the first three or four days
are now opened.
If the Vols, were at home we could so govern our
soldiers as to check outrages now hourly committed.
Capt. Marshall states that as he was walking in the
streets night before last, he saw just ahead of him
a man with a musket and before he reached him, the
scamp struck a Mexican with the butt of his musket and
knocked him down. This is a slight enormity compared
with some that have been committed. A Milty. Com-
mission has been instituted by Genl. Scott to try all
cases which can not legally be brought before Cotrrts-
Martial, and I hope that Genl. S. will have every
convicted culprit punished as fully as the court and law
direct.
Major Wade's Compy. has been ordered from
Tampico to join the Regt. here. Unless Col. Gates
can offer very weighty arguments against its being
In Mexico 113
withdrawn from that place, I presume that we shall
enjoy the pleasure of seeing the Major here. Col.
Gates seems very anxious to increase his regulars, as
he has detained two compys. of Infy. who accidently
touched at Tampico on their way here.
I have omitted mentioning that this grand army
is honored by the presence of a lady, and who do you
suppose her to be — no less a personage than Mrs.
. She visited our Fortaleza the day we took
possession, but I did not beg an introduction. She
remained on board ship during the siege; where she
is now, I do not know. I presume that she intends
accompanying us to Mexico. Could she hear the re-
marks made about the indecency and indelicacy of
her husband's having allowed her to come, I am sure
that her ears would hxara.
1 am sorry that Duncan has set his heart upon enter-
ing the service at this time. Those of us now in, are
thinking seriously of getting out, so that the new ins
stand a chance of good promotion. The recent pro-
motions will place me the third captain in the Regt.
Capts. Bturke and Wade are the two above me.
As we are soon to go into Summer quarters, I must
put you on your guard about listening to or rather
believing the ten thousand reports you will hear and
see about the health of our troops. I find that letter
writers who are with us write lies, either through
ignorance, inattention, or design. I wiU inform you
if there be any imusual degree of sickness in our Army.
Should I be taken sick, you may be pretty well assured
of my being sent out of the country, as no useless
mouths are wanted with an army which wiU have to
draw its supplies as far into the interior as we are
going.
"4 An Artillery Officer
You enquire about our friend Major Whitney; he
has gone home; he stayed through the siege, and was
sent off the day before yesterday. It is well that he
should return; he was present at the siege and capture of
Vera Cruz, and as this will be regarded as the great
feat of our war, he returns now satisfied and will find
in the incidents of the siege anecdotes enough for
repetition for the last days of his Ufe, rapidly, I fear,
drawing to a close.
Our friend Austine has been for some time anxious
to give up his Adjutancy, if he cotild get anything
better. He applied on receiving the recent law giving
a Rgtl. Q. M. to each Regt., for that appointment
to our Regt. but Lt. Col. Belton, who assumes that he
has authority to appoint, gave the appointment to
Lt. Van Vliet (gone to New Orleans sick) on the ground
assumed by the President towards the Army, in not
giving appointments in new Regts. to ofificers of the
Army, "that Lt. Austine was already well provided
for."
Capt. Taylor, who desires to be remembered, has just
informed me that the letters are to be sent to the
Edith, and that the boat is to go very soon. I must
therefore close. That God may bless and guard you is
my earnest prayer.
When shall we spend oiur sweet Sxmdays together?
How different this day from what it was when we were
together.
No. I. Camp Surrender, Vera Cruz, Mexico.
April 5th.
Again in Camp, and very much I assirre you,
to my own gratification. I had been a httle ap-
prehensive that it might be my fate to be among
In Mexico "5
those to be left behind, and was delighted to re-
ceive orders to leave the pleasant quarters of the
Fortaleza de Ulua, where, though we revelled not in
the Halls of the Montezumas, we had the honor of
being bitten by day and night by fleas which might
have legitimately descended from the Conquerors of
this Country. Defend me from a summer residence
in the justly celebrated Ulua! I would, I am certain,
be very unwilling to rank among its conquerors again,
were a residence there a necessary consequence. I am
sure that I would gladly vote for its re-delivery, in prefer-
ence to remaining there, I mean. Tell Father, no
disparagement to Florida when I say that Ulua can
beat her and give her odds, in producing fleas and mos-
quitoes. I must send a phial of them to the National
Museum at Washington to be placed among our
trophies. Stay, I need not do it, the flag and articles
to be forwarded will carry the breed.
I have just returned from reporting my arrival in
Camp to Col. Bankhead, our new Brigade (2nd Arty.,
3rd Arty., and 4th Infy.) Commander, and am sorry to
find that in consequence of his not getting on well with
our new Division Commander, Major Genl. Worth, he is
soon to leave for the United States. The order states
that in consequence of his health and distinguished
services in the trenches he has been selected to convey
to the President the Flags, etc., captirred in the City
and Castle. Col. B. is a selfish man, but is always a gen-
tleman ; I am sorry to lose him, though I know that he
is too infirm to accompany us into the interior.
I also learn that the Edith for which I wrote so
hurriedly, day before yesterday, has not yet gone,
and that she will leave to-morrow, hence this hurried
scrawl in place of one of my old-fashioned family
"6 An Artillery Officer
talks. Having reached Camp about twelve, I dined
with Cousin Sam, and enjoyed the best dinner I have
had since I landed — bean soup, rice, tomatoes, sweet
potatoes, green peppers as a salad with the tomatoes.
At the Castle we have had fresh beef twice, but
really, the taste was such that I was not certain it
might not have been a spare cut from the rump of
some poor donkey killed by one of ovir shells during
the siege. Last night, hunger and the novelty of
seeing fresh meat made me relish a piece, but this
morning, I could not go it, like a second bad egg; I
left the enjoyment to those who liked it. I am told
that by sending to market early, we can purchase
vegetables, etc. I think that one of our men must
wake to-morrow hien matinee!
I met Dr. Cuyler in the City as I passed through it,
and was told that he was to do duty with the 3rd. Dr.
Potter is now our Stugeon ; he is, I find, a great favorite
with some of the 2nd, with whom he has been serving;
they are both, I believe, good surgeons, and we shall
be lucky in having either. By the bye, I met young
Dr. Steiner in the City; he had an army cap and in-
formed me that he was on duty with the 4th Arty.
I find that much has been done to cleanse the City
since I first passed through it. The sandbags have
been taken down, and some of the filth removed, but
much yet remains undone; you see many piles of rub-
bish, with here and there fragments of the murderous
shells. Doubtful of the proper name of this Camp, I
have given it a name, descriptive of its locality, as it
embraces the ground occupied by our troops on the
29th, when the enemy laid down their arms.
No one pretends to guess the day of our departure;
the fact is that our knowing ones have been so com-
In Mexico n?
pletely found amiss in their speculations that they
cease to be regarded as prophets.
I this moment hear a mocking-bird warbling his
sweet notes; the Band of the 2nd is practising, and
this sweet bird seems answering to some notes he loves.
How many, many miles do those notes bear my thoughts,
my wishes, from this dull camp. How delightful and
still how tinged with sadness those thoughts! They
tell of home, of a beloved wife, but yet of a home that
I do not enjoy with her. Sing on, sweet bird, there
is joy mingled with the sadness of your song. I may
soon be as free as you are and return on wings of love
to my own mate. Why not? The storm is now over
and we may expect a calm. Gentle Peace will soon,
I hope, spread her healing wings over this distracted
country, and will send us hopping glad to our homes
again.
Having reduced my baggage to nearly the campaign
allowance, you must expect nothing but scrawls from
me henceforth. My Compy. desk has been deposited
with some other, etc., in the Castle. I now write on
the top of my little hand trunk placed on the old camp
bedstead. My seat is the campstool which was
broken in our march to Tampa Bay. These three
articles with my dressing-gown and large pillow have
been great comforts I assure you. I shall be sorry
when I have to leave any of them behind. 'T is said
that we are to have very limited means of transporta-
tion when we leave for Jalapa. I must manage to
have my favorites taken by my friends, los medicos,
whose means of transportation are very liberal in all
well-appointed armies.
Heigho, an order has just been handed me stating
that in consequence of the limited means of transpor-
ii8 An Artillery Officer
tation all Compy. and Regt. Books must be left. I fear
that some of my good friends will have to stay behind.
N'importe, they were in the Siege; they have had
glory enough to make all stay-at-home, small trunks,
bedsteads, and chairs blush for their lack of spirit in
not having gone into the field at their Coimtry's call!
Who can conceive what thrilling stories these said
articles of furnitiire may attempt telling you some
of these days when they are in the mood ?
I must stop cross writing here or you will make
nothing of the whole letter. As Col. B. proposes
leaving in a few days, he will probably be the bearer of
my next despatches?
No. 2. Camp near Vera Cruz, Mexico.
April 5th.
Though a letter was written and sent to be mailed
since my arrival in camp to-day, I must have my even-
ing's chat with you before I retire. My conscience
has reproached me, too, with my ingratitude in having
omitted in my hst of comforts, my mosquito bar (the
daily admiration of Derr), my coarse towels, and dress-
ing-gown. Two luxuries I shall have to part with, my
white wash basin and pitcher; these I can replace,
however, at Jalapa. The others are home tokens
containing either your work or executed under your
directions. An order requiring my separation from
them would be met with a very iU grace.
April 6th.
I had written the first four lines last night, when
Capt. Taylor and Lt. Thomas came to my tent, and
talked nonsense till my candle was burnt into the socket;
having, unfortunately, no other, I could not write a
In Mexico 119
word more and was compelled to go to bed. The only
piece of information communicated was, that we were
authorized to send and receive letters free of postage.
This is not much of a boon to me, as the postage on
my letters is always most freely given.
This morning I, being for the first time where I
could indulge that extravagance, tried a little market-
ing; here are some of the items: sweet potatoes, about
the medium size, 6}/^ cents apiece, turnips as large
as two fists I2j/^ cents, tomatoes 2 cents apiece,
something between a cabbage and a lettuce 634 cents
ahead. Everything is very high. Claret $14 a dozen;
this is a luxury rather too expensive to be indulged in,
when the necessaries of life are so high. Bacon i834
cents per pound, etc. However, things will either be
lower, or we will, when we get into the health region
of the country, get so healthy and so stout as to be
able to do without them, as we can then eat anything.
No news from the interior on which any reliance
can be placed. Col. Kinney, who seems to know every-
thing, told me this morning that peace was not talked
of in the country arotmd this place, that Santa Anna
was approaching the coast with a large army. I cannot
think that he has so soon forgotten the thrashing Genl.
Taylor gave him at Buena Vista, and am not inclined
to think that he is willing to measure his strength with
the army.
I am still highly gratified at my change from Garrison
to Camp ; my men are in better spirits than they were :
here I can hear them cracking jokes and indulging in
merry laughter, in the Castle they looked like convicts.
No castles for me. I have to-day another newspaper
for you, the second number of the American Eagle, con-
taining some of Genl. Scott's correspondence relative
I20 An Artillery Officer
to the surrender. The paper is badly printed. This
press will, I presume, follow us into the interior, so that
you will probably receive all the numbers of it. Whether
the paper established at Tampico still exists I know
not. I had thought of having it sent to you regularly,
but when I can write regularly, even if I can send a
letter but once a week, there will be but little left un-
communicated.
Yesterday, as the papers state, was a hot day, but
not hotter than I have experienced in the United
States. Col. Belton is still in the Castle. I expected
him and the remainingCompy.of this Regt. this morning,
but his Excellency dislikes relinquishing his Governor-
ship. No news yet of Major Wade's arrival; it should
be a severe disappointment to him, if he is kept from
advancing to Jalapa with us.
Now that I am here, for the last time in my life I
trust, I am anxious to see as much of the country
as I can, and would therefore be pleased, if it can be
done without interfering with my leaving this land as
soon as possible, to go as far as the City of Mexico.
I hope that the land bounty will give us good results
for our winter operations, and that the President wiU
increase the Volunteers to a force so respectable in
numbers as to sweep over the whole country. I will
now bid you a good-morning, as I must examine and
send off my quarterly papers. Bonjour.
After tattoo. I cannot retire, without having a
little chat with you. My old friend, Capt. Wall,
arrived to-day and has been sitting with me and talking
over army, and former-day affairs. He takes com-
mand of the Compy. now commanded by Lt. Steptoe,
who will, I suppose, be promoted to Capt. Vinton's
Company.
In Mexico 121
Some of the Alvarado expedition have returned;
they report having found plenty of cannon-batteries
abandoned. It seems that a midshipman was ordered
to precede the fleet, with orders to blockade the town.
But on getting in sight of the place, he took it into
his head that he would try the range of his gun ; having
fired a few shots, a boat pulled out from town offering a
siirrender. He ran in, found the batteries abandoned,
took possession, and, having succeeded so admirably,
he ascended the river some twenty miles to another
town, where he met with no resistance. The Great
Fleet and Army now arrives, and Commander Perry
finds all done. The Midshipman, Mr. Hunter, he has
placed under arrest for disobedience of orders, he having
been sent to blockade, not to take the place. I am sorry
that the Navy will not have "Alvarado" to add to
their list of conquered towns. The capture of this
place draws after it, almost as a matter of course, the
siurender of all the other towns along the coast.
April 7th.
I have just returned from Col. Bankhead's tent; he
is very desirous of getting off, and has gone to the City
to ascertain if a vessel will sail to-day. He will em-
brace the earliest opportunity and wiU either sail
for New Orleans or New York. If he goes to New
Orleans, I will ask him to take charge of this letter.
But otherwise I will keep it and add another sheet or
two before sending it off. Genl. Twiggs is tmder
orders to advance to-morrow with his Brigade. GerJ.
Quitman will follow with the 3rd, and we close the
march with the ist Brigade. The transportation is
thus far limited to one wagon for two companies.
I hope that by the time we march, the Quartermasters*
122 An Artillery Officer
Dept. may succeed in increasing their means, so as to
be a little more liberal with us.
A mail arrived, I hear, in the Massachusetts, last
evening. I must send a man. Yawn, to enquire. I have
sent him, and hope in a half hour, to enjoy the delightful
pleasure of reading a letter from you. God grant
that I may receive good news from my wife. As
my married men may not be very punctual in wri'-ing
to their wives, it is time for me to make a report to
enable you to comply with your promises to their
wives. Corp. Devit, Privates Cramer and Howard
are all slightly indisposed ; nothing more, I think, than
chills and fever. Many of the men are on the sick
report to-day. This is always the case with new
recruits ; they invariably, after an arduous tour of duty,
will be foimd on the sick report for some days. And
in that Castle, the men were prevented by fleas and
mosquitoes from sleeping.
Capt. Backus, 4th Infy., relieved Capt. Vinton's
Compy. yesterday, so that we have the remnant of
the 3rd Arty, again encamped together. Genl. Worth
stopped a moment yesterday as he passed, and in-
formed me that Mrs. Sprague had given him another
granddaughter. The Genl. looks in better spirits
since the reception of his Major General's commission.
I have not had the pleasiure of seeing Genl. Twiggs;
he is too cunning to permit Genl. W. to outgeneral him.
I fancy that Twiggs's friends will succeed in getting a
brevet for him, bearing the same date, or an older one
than Gen. W. I must wait till Yawn returns.
Afternoon. Yawn returned without bringing me
a letter. Perhaps I ought not to have expected one,
as my dates were later than Dr. Cuyler's from Savan-
nah, but, whenever I hear that a mail has come,
In Mexico 123
without reflection that, as you have but one mail
per week, I cannot receive them oftener, I think that
I must have a letter or two from you in that mail.
The order for the commencement of our march
into the interior is issued. Genl. Twiggs starts
to-morrow with the 2nd Division. Genl. Patterson
follows the next day with two Brigades of Vols. He
leaves one brigade of Vols, and the Tennessee dismounted
Cavalry until the arrival of their horses. Genl.
Twiggs and Genl. Patterson will each have forty-five
wagons for their commands. Every man takes forty
rounds of ammunition and five days' rations of hard
bread, and bacon and pork (cooked) for two days. As
this order omits all mention of us, I presume that
we stand fast till some of their wagons going with
their Divisions return, when we shall move honored
with the presence of our gallant General.
I thought till this morning that my old friend. Dr.
Harney, was to remain, but Dr. Porter now tells me
that he thinks that he, Dr. P., will have to remain, as
Dr. H. thinks the mountain air necessary for his health.
The Dr. has not been well since he has been in this
country. I am afraid that he is breaking down. If
Dr. Porter leaves the 3rd Arty. I presume that Dr.
Cuyler, who has been medical purveyor till recently,
will take charge of us. Dr. Wright may remain; Dr.
Porter says he is half inclined to do so.
Poor Col. Bankhead has relinquished command,
and is to sail home to-morrow, with the cannon and
flags. Genl. Scott sends, I think, twelve beautiful
bronze cannon. One I selected for West Point. I do
hope it will be sent there; its date is 1685, "Le Mor-
dicant" beautifxilly chased, etc. Col. B.'s departure
places our Brigade imder the command of Col. G ,
124 An Artillery Officer
— th. Infy., a man deservedly unpopular with his
officers, notoriously setting a bad immoral example
to his jimiors. Genl. Scott, whom I have not seen since
the surrender, looked very well when I last saw him.
If to-morrow be not too excessively hot, I propose
going into the City for a short time. I have very-
little curiosity. Many have spoken of the marks of ruin
they have seen, of the vast amount of public stores,
etc., to be seen, but I care for none of these things.
If I could find any little mementoes and had a favorable
opportunity of sending them to you I would move as
briskly about it as any of them.
I heard this morning that Major Talcott had been
importuning Col. Bankhead to make special mention
of his services in the trenches. I would cut my tongue
out before I would allow it to commit so great an act
of indelicacy. Col. B. will not, I hope, do it. He has
already been induced to insert the names of two Top.
Engineers, who were at one of the Batteries, mentioned
because they volunteered, not because they did as
much or more than others. The fact is, that at the
Batteries there was but little room for individual dis-
tinction. I will now lay this down for to-night.
Night. Capt. De Hart came in at dusk, and has just
left ; it is now too late for me to add much to my letter.
I find from the Capt. that the Govt, patronized him
in the publication of his work on Courts-Martial, by
taking one hundred copies! Col. Bankhead is to leave
in the morning, but at what hour I cannot learn. Lt.
Andrews will go to the City in the morning, and I will,
unless I hear that the Col. sails either late in the day
or not until the next day, give him this letter. Good-
night. May God bless and protect you. Bonsoir.
In Mexico 125
April 8th.
A friend waits for my letter. I must close it for fear
of missing this mail. Nothing new, Genl. Twiggs is
moving. Good-night. Love to Father and all the
family.
No. 3. Camp near Vera Cruz, Mex.
April 8, 1847. Night.
My letter closed this morning. I hope was in time
for the mail, though I am a little apprehensive that
my old friend, Col. Bankhead, left too early. The
least delay on the part of the gentleman entrusted
with it must have caused it to miss a mail. I do not,
however, attach as much importance to my letters now
being too late for mails, as I know that your heart
has been relieved of a heavy load by the reception
of my letters announcing the progress and termination
of the siege.
During the Siege, or at any time previous, and
subsequent to my arrival, when I knew how important
it was that you should hear from me regularly and
frequently, I regarded the chance of missing a mail
as a very serious affair. Now, you should have
nothing on your mind to worry about. I am about
leaving the seaboard to go to a place as notoriously
healthy as any in the world. Even had I been or-
dered to remain here, I think by prudence I might
have remained and got through the summer safely.
I have not attempted a description of Vera Cruz be-
cause really I have seen nothing of it. A detail as
member of a Genl. Court-Martial will take me there
to-morrow and many consecutive days : so that I shall
perjorce learn something of it, and will give you such
126 An Artillery Officer
sketches as I think interesting. I had intended writing
a good long letter to-night, but was interrupted by the
arrival of Major Graham and two other gentlemen
who spent the evening with me. I must now close,
as the night is far advanced.
Note. The Genl. Court-Martial has been ordered
to meet in our Camp.
April 9th.
Reasonably good news from Washington, as the
President has, in his benevolence, condescended to
give to friend Capt. Charles P. Smith, two brevets.
He is now a Bvt. Lt. Col., a very slight reward for
his many gallant acts.
I have been so long engaged in Court-Martial
duties to-day, having finished the trial of three officers
(for not very serious breaches of discipline), that I
feel very little like writing and will retire very soon,
hoping that we may not be so much pressed to-morrow,
as I shall then make a respectable addition to my letter.
I fear however that the visit contemplated in the first
part of this letter must be deferred till our return from
Jalapa, as I think we have cases enough to be tried
to engage us during the time we are to remain here.
Before closing, to shew you the variety we have in
our reports, I will give you yesterday's and to-day's
reports. Yesterday, Jalapa and Puebla de los Angeles
declared their independence of the Central Govt, and
have determined to treat for peace. To-day, Santa
Anna is at the Flat Mountain between Jalapa and
Puebla with an army. Good-night, and may God
bless you.
April loth. vSaturday Night.
Hearing this morning that a steamboat was to leave
In Mexico 127
for New Orleans to-day, and not having time to finish
my letter, I enclosed and forwarded this morning's
paper. On the Court-Martial we have made great
progress to-day, as we concluded the cases of the two
officers who were to make their defences this morning,
and tried twelve soldiers; most of them plead guilty
and their cases were so simple as to leave no room
for consideration or doubt.
This afternoon I strolled into town for an hour,
but by the time I searched the part where the fashion-
able shops are, it had become so dark that I could
not see. I did not see anything curious or rare in
the shops I was in, and what I priced was extravagantly
high. They are determined to make us pay dearly for
our whistle. I do not blame them; it will absorb all
the profits of their stores for years, to repair the damage
we have done them. Never, never do I wish to be one
of a besieging army again. And faith, I have no great
desire to be one of the army besieged!
Though much has been done to cleanse the streets,
they are yet filthy. Our Surgeons are busy estab-
lishing a general hospital here. The Army moves
with so little transportation, that we have to leave
our sick behind. Dr. Porter says that he will send
them to their companies by the earliest opportunities
after we leave. In some of the companies in camp,
there is a good deal of sickness — some of the cases have
proved fatal. Thus far we have had no dangerous
cases; all of my men will, I am convinced, recover as
soon as I can get them into the mountainous region.
I have heard no camp news about Santa Anna
since yesterday. To-morrow, we should hear from
Genl. Twiggs's Brigade; we certainly shall if he hears
of an opposing or a threatening force.
128 An Artillery Officer
Bvt. Major Backus, commanding Ulua, has, by the
working of some fifty Mexicans, succeeded in making
it a much cleaner and more habitable place than it was
when we were in it, but, bless him, he will be unable to
remove either the fleas or the bedbugs; the latter, I find,
colonized very extensively in my bedding, whilst we
were there. I think of sending some of these Ulua curi-
osities to Washington. To-morrow being Sunday I will,
if the day be not too warm and I can conveniently
leave camp, go to one of the churches in the City.
Good-night.
Sunday, nth. Morning.
Yesterday a negro fellow was hung for a heinous
offence, having been tried and sentenced by a Milty.
Commission, composed exclusively of Vol. officers.
The man was a servant to a Vol. officer. This morning
two Mexicans are found, one dead and the other
nearly so. This devilish deed was undoubtedly per-
petrated by some scoundrels among the Volunteers
as a repayment for the loss of the negro. I sincerely
hope the perpetrators of this act may be brought to
punishment.
The morning is so warm that I have no intention
of attempting my visit to church in town to-day.
I have therefore gone through with an hour Sunday
routine of readings (reading my part distinctly and
your part silently), and after a loU of an hour am now
ready for the duties of the day.
In town yesterday I met one of Genl. Worth's
A. D. C.s who said that Genl. Worth spoke of our
Commands moving to-day or to-morrow, as there
are not one quarter wagons enough here to move with
the limitation of baggage already imposed. I do not
In Mexico 129
think it possible for us to march. I doubt if we can
leave earlier than the 15th inst. One Brigade of
Vols, and one Regt. still remain; they should march
before we do, as they belong to a Division already
on the road.
The Doctor has just sent six of "G" Co. to the Genl.
Hospital in the City. Cramer (the husband of the
pretty woman who came with the recnoits) is the only
married man among them. His wife has, I believe,
left Tampa Bay, with Mrs. Hannel and Mrs. Devit,
for Tampico. I advised Howard to tell his wife to
remain where she is. Women are, as I anticipated,
a great plague to their Captains in the field. So
little transportation is allowed, that if permitted to
accompany the troops they must purchase or steal
some poor horse or ass to carry their baggage. A
woman with one child can thus get on tolerably well,
but when they have more, they soon find it impossible
to move in that way, and are left or sent back by some
return train to some large depot.
No mail yet. I fear that some of your letters are
lost, as I hear that one of the vessels wrecked on the
beach near our first camp, on the 26th March, con-
tained a large mail. Lt. Thomas has stopped in to
inform me that Major Wade has arrived. 1 hope that
the change from Tampico to this place will be agreeable
to the Major. I do not think that he will take a very
violent liking to our Lt. Col. who is occasionally as
unamiable as he sometimes shews himself in the com-
pany of his amiable spouse.
The addition of the Major's Compy. to our little
battalion is very acceptable, as we were too small to
be respectable in so large a command. I will now
make my bow until this afternoon.
I30 An Artillery Officer
Night. Major Wade has arrived; his Compy. has
taken its position in our Camp. Lt. Johnson is with
him; he looks very well, and will, I hope, continue to
think himself so. The order is out and been received
by us, for our march to-morrow. The order designates
twelve for the hour of march, so I presume that we will
not make more than nine or ten miles.
I hear that Genl. Twiggs sends word back that Genl.
Santa Anna is fortifying himself at some position this
side of Jalapa. I can scarcely credit the opinion that
he seriously intends giving us a fair, good fight. If he
be there, it may be with the view of making a show of
defence and then entering into terms with us. God
grant that this may be the case, as blood enough has cer-
tainly been shed to satisfy the honor of both Nations,
and a treaty formed at an early date would restore the
most of us to our families very early this fall, and per-
haps some Companies would be sent home at once.
Report says that Santa Anna has his cabinet with
him, and that Genl. Labrega is also there. Why his
Cabinet is there would be a question worthy of con-
sideration were it certainly true.
The afternoons are sufficiently pleasant; as at St.
Augustine the hottest part of the day is in the morning,
say from seven till nine ; after these hours by keeping
out of the sun the temperature is very agreeably
pleasant.
Genl. Scott will, I presume, either accompany us
to-morrow, or follow us the next day. On every
account it is highly important that we should move
towards the mountains. One reason that we get
off earlier than I anticipated is that over two hvmdred
mules arrived to-day, thus giving us unexpected
addition to our means for transportation, and again
In Mexico 131
OMT Division moves before some of the Vols, left here
by Genl. Patterson's Division.
I omitted mentioning the arrival of Capt. Winder,
who landed this evening with his Compy. of twenty-
eight men. He finds a detachment of recniits from
which he wiU, I hope, fill his Compy. I have not
seen him — indeed ova Army covers so much ground that
I do not attempt visiting any one. We meet our
friends occasionally on duty, or I see them as they pass
my tent going to, or returning from town.
As I may have an opportunity of finishing this
sheet to-morrow before the hour of starting, when there
may be something of interest to add, I will only en-
croach further by bidding you good-night. I must look
to a judicious reduction of my baggage. The allowance
is, however, more liberal than was anticipated, as one
wagon is allowed to each Company.
April 12th. At night.
We are now reduced to our travelling allowance of
tents, etc. Oiir Camp presents a singularly scattered
appearance, each camp, where two hours since there
was a full allowance of wall and common tents, now
formed with only three small tents. Otu baggage
will soon follow. So large an army requires a very
large train for the transportation of its ordinary
supplies. I have retained as many of my comforts as
I could reasonably, seeing how little accommodation
was allowed for the men. My camp bed, mosquito
bar, and trunk, with the morning gown, old cloak, and
big boots go with me. My Ubrary is not very large —
my two Sunday books and one Vol. of Tactics con-
stitute all.
Thank God I have received a letter from you dated
n^ An Artillery Officer
March 12th. But, my wife, you imagine a thousand
dangers, and our Heavenly Father leads me unharmed
through aU to which I am reaUy exposed. I think after
having received news of our almost bloodless victory
here, that you cannot but place entire confidence in
that God who has so constantly heaped his blessings
on both of us.
Look around us and see how many are, though labor-
ing tonder heavy afflictions, bearing up cheerfully
trader circumstances which would seem to leave them
no room for hope. They are frequently rewarded
for their great faith in this world, and look, with as-
surance to their better reward hereafter. I would
not have you conceal your feelings from me; on the
contrary, I feel happier in knowing that you describe
your feelings as they really are, than I would be to
detect your attempt to conceal them. Think of all
that has really passed, see how many dangers your
love has conjured up, and despond no more.
To-morrow we leave for a healthy region, where all
the invalids will rapidly recover. Be not uneasy at
paragraphs you may read in the papers about the
Army. You may not hear from me as frequently
as you have hitherto, but I shall write by every op-
portunity. And now be of good cheer, and rely
upon our Heavenly Father. We make a very early
start to-morrow, and I must close to-night. That
God will continue to guard and bless you I sincerely
pray.
13th, four- thirty A.M. Packed and ready for a start.
Genl. Twiggs writes word that he thinks he will reach
Jalapa — this shows that there is not much to be appre-
hended from the expected opposition. Good morning.
Mr. Thomas and Maj. Graham beg to be remembered.
In Mexico 133
No. 5. ' Camp about sixteen miles from
La Puente Nacional,
April 14th.
I believe that my No. (5) is correct, the last I
wrote the morning of our departure from Vera
Cruz. Yesterday (our first day's march) was a very
severe one. Leaving about half past five a.m. we
marched along the beach, say about two and a half miles,
and then turning perpendiciolarly to the left marched
through heavy sand hills, a deep hot road, about three
and a half miles to our first watering place. The day, or
rather that period of it in which we executed the latter
part of our march, was excessively close and hot.
The country was a succession of cups of sand; the
only redeeming thing about this part of the march,
was that we heard the sweet, sometimes plaintive,
sometimes cheerful notes of the birds in the recesses
of the glades. Here we halted sometimes, but the
men had become so much exhausted that by the time
we reached our encamping ground, say eighteen miles
from Santa Cruz, nearly one half of the men were
absent. Some soon came up, but at tattoo, many
had not yet arrived. To-day in consequence of the dis-
ordered state of the Command, we have only marched
nine miles. Enough of this march for the present.
I acknowledge, with cheerful gratitude to God, the
receipt of your letter of the 1 8th. The letter is in
much better spirits than its predecessor and cheered
me greatly, I assure you. I wish your letters to
indicate exactly your feelings, and I can then know
how you really are. You distress me much more by
an attempt to conceal what I know full well you feel,
than a full and frank disclosure does.
' No. 4 is missing.
134 An Artillery Officer
Our camp is surrounded by some of the most beauti-
ful flowers I ever saw. I send in this a few lilac flowers
growing on a large vine which overhangs my tent.
I have collected some seed. The favorite of our
Florida home grows here in great variety, but I do not
find any as sweet as those (opopanax) you used to
collect at Tampa Bay.
The road to-day has been hilly, the hollows however
not rich; we passed Genl. Santa Anna's residence
about three miles back, a fine field of corn was growing
near it. I merely had a glimpse of the house — a large
white one with tiled roof. His Excellency owns the
country on both sides the road from about nine miles
this side Vera Cruz to the City of Jalapa; he owns a
good deal of bad land.
We learned from some persons returning from Genl.
Twiggs's Brigade, that he intended attacking Genl.
Santa Anna at nine o'clock this morning. I expect that
he will think better of it and wait for us to come up.
Major Genl. Patterson has not yet come up, Genl. Pillow
is with Genl. T. They may decide upon making
a bold stroke for glory before we reach them. Genl.
Scott who has gone ahead of us will probably reach
the advance early to-morrow, when the decision will
be made by him. I have this moment finished my
dinner and tea. The twilight is so short here that
I must close as it is now nearly dark. We start at
early dawn in the morning. Good-night.
Camp about i6 miles from La Puente Nacional.
El Plan del Rio.
April 15th.
Twenty minutes to five P.M. An early start with
a well-conducted march brought us to our present
In Mexico i35
camp, at the National Bridge, before twelve o'clock.
The Brigade would have advanced farther, but as no
water could be obtained until we reached Genl. Twiggs's
camp, sixteen miles, and as Lt. Col. Duncan stated that
his horses could not go so far without water after a
morning's march, it was determined to halt here,
17th. Thus far had I written day before yesterday,
when I went to visit an old fortification intended to
command the approaches to the bridge. The fort is
an old one on a high hill, the side towards the river
and our camp is inaccessible, the other side pretty
well defended by musketry fires. This place we learn
had been fiunished with eight pieces of Arty, which
were withdrawn the day before Genl. Twiggs left for
Jalapa. The scenery at the bridge is beautiful, com-
bining enough of the grand to make it interesting to
all classes of admirers of scenery. The bridge is like
all of the Spanish works of art constructed during their
stay in this coimtry, well executed and on a magni-
ficent scale.
At tattoo. The Brigade received orders to march at
one A.M. this morning. Reveille was beat at twelve
and the men were formed at the appointed time.
After some time, a Staff Officer came up with directions
to allow the men to take what rest they could. Every-
thing being packed, very little rest was taken.
At half-past fotu- yesterday afternoon we took up
our camp to march six miles to camp. We marched
that distance, and were told whilst continuing our
march, that as we could not get to water, the Com-
mand must march to the camp of Generals Twiggs
and Pillow. We had a most fatiguing march, night
marches are necessarily so, but this was rendered par-
136 An Artillery Officer
ticularly so from the officers and men having been de-
prived of their rest the preceding night, and from the
fact of their not having filled their canteens for a
long march.
We arrived here, say eighteen miles, at twenty
minutes to two this morning. At eight this morning
a command was sent to occupy a hill which commands
some of the enemy's batteries. The hill was found
occupied by the enemy, but they were driven from it
by Col. Harney; three officers were wounded — Major
Sumner, 2nd Dragoons, slightly in the head, Lt. Maury
left arm with bones broken below the elbow, Lt. May
and another officer are also wounded.
To-morrow morning we are under orders to advance.
As oiu- men will have, I hope, a good night's rest, I
feel confident of their doing good duty. I shall write
you the earliest moment, if by the continued blessing
of God, my life be spared. I place as ever all my trust
in Him who has thus far saved me in numberless dan-
gers. As I must be fresh I will now retire to rest,
praying our Heavenly Father to protect and guard
my wife and that He will soon receive you into the
little select flock constituting His church elect upon
this earth. The name of oiu: camp is "Camp near
El Plan del Rio."
FoRTALEZA Nacional de San Carlos de Perote.
Thursday, April 22nd.
Since the preceding was written I have been so con-
stantly and sometimes so fatiguingly engaged that I
did not have an opportunity of sending my letter
immediately after the fight of the eighteenth, and this
is the first mail of the departure of which we have been
In Mexico i37
notified, and now I shall be so pressed for time that I
shall have but half an opportunity of scribbling a few
lines.
The newspapers will, I fear, long since have informed
you of the heavy losses sustained by us at the battle
of Cerro Gordo. The number of killed and wounded
is probably not far from 500. One of my young
friends, Lt. Dana, 7th Infy., is, I fear, dangerously
wounded. I was not in the engagement, as by some
mismanagement we were delayed, and work intended
for us was done by the 2nd and 7th Infys. The enemy
was completely routed, leaving in our possession thirty-
five pieces of cannon, about 6000 prisoners, small arms
and ammunition of all kinds in the greatest abiuidance.
The position occupied by the enemy was a very
strong one. I may say that had we moved along the
road to the attack, their position could not have been
carried by our forces ; but Genl. Scott, by judiciously
tiiming the flank of their main batteries, and carrying
by assault a high battery in the rear, which commanded
their advanced works, saved the lives of our men and
conquered.
These works were carried, and the battle over by
half-past ten. The enemy ran in such disorder as
to leave behind and on the road all their muskets and
even their eatables. Had Genl. Scott's orders been
complied with, not one of the enemy would have
escaped.
We are now in the celebrated Castle of Perote where
Genl. Santa Anna and other patriots have been oc-
casionally confined. We shall remain a few days
before advancing. Every soldier had left this place,
though it is a very strong one. Let us unite in thanking
God with all our hearts for His continued protec-
138 An Artillery Officer
tion. I must close as it is so dark that I can scarcely
see.
No. 6. Fortress of Perote.
Friday, April 23rd.
I closed my letter so hurriedly last evening, that
I fear some portions of it were illegible, if not un-
intelligible. I think that in this, I will go back, and
take you over the parts of our road so unceremon-
iously run over. I mentioned, I think, that Genl.
Twiggs's Division was ordered to take a height which
had been found unoccupied by the enemy, and one
which commanded one or two of the batteries of the
enemy.
The enemy, it seems, discovered their mistake in
not having fortified this hill, and were found by the
Division in large force upon it. It was gallantly
carried by Col. Harney, with some loss on our side,
and it is now reported, a loss of 1 74 on the part of
the enemy.
This was the engagement of the 17th which Santa
Anna has the impudence to claim as a victory. The
1st Brigade received orders on the evening of the 17th
to march at early dawn on the morning of the i8th
(Sunday, I am sorry to say). Our Brigade, 2nd and
3rd Arty, and 4th Infy. were ordered to support the
attack on the enemy's battery.
The road from Battery No. i to No. 3, is cut out of
the solid rock. The bank on the left side of the road
in the rear of this part of it is too steep in many places
for a man to go down to the water's edge; the Httle
stream runs nearly parallel to the road. This may
give you some faint idea of the ground, etc. As I was
so busily occupied the day of, and the day subsequent
In Mexico 139
to the engagement, that I could not inspect the posi-
tions, I have been compelled to rely for my sketch
on the information of others. The sketch is perhaps
wrong in some points, but may on the whole be regarded
as sufficiently accurate for a non-milij;ary reader.
We left our Camp early the morning of the i8th
and halted when the head of our column had reached
the ranch C, for the Vols, under Genl. Pillow to come
up. They halted a moment near us, when Col. Haskell
of Tenn. gave his men a spirited address. They then
filed, by heads of companies, into the woods and we
resumed our advance, a portion of Lt. Col. Dtincan's
Battery in front of us. We turned off the main road
to our right at D, and had proceeded but a short dis-
tance when we heard sharp musketry firing on our left ;
this was Pillow's Brigade engaged with the enemy.
This Brigade fell back, and Genl. Pillow sent a staff
officer to Genl. Scott to request that some Regulars
be sent to him. He is a brave man and was deeply
mortified ; he was wounded.
In a short time the road became so rough and steep
that we were delayed more than half an hour in taking
two of the gtms up a steep hill in the road. Hear-
ing cannon firing in our front and it being found that
Duncan's battery could not be taken forward in time
for us to participate in the fight, we were ordered to
the front.
The enemy now discovered us and threw a few shot
and shell at us. No one was injured. Staff Officers
now galloped back and called on us to advance, as we
were very much wanted. Now commenced the most
fatiguing work I ever had. The fire become very
lively in every direction, and we had to gain our
position on the hill where Battery No. 5 was situated.
HO An Artillery Officer
With men exhausted by the heat and exertion of run-
ning, we struck the base of the hill, our troops caUing
for us to advance and the Mexicans calling on their
side for reinforcements.
Before we reached the top otir colors were flying
on the flag staff, the hiU had been taken. Duncan's
Battery had kept us out of the battle. The Brigade
under Genl. Shields had divided, a few were with him
in his attack on field Battery No. 6, where he was
mortally wotmded by a grape shot, gallantly leading;
his men then feU back and received a second discharge
from the Battery before they advanced again.
The troops in Batteries Nos. 2 and 3 were now sum-
moned to surrender; they asked for the appointment
of commissioners and for time. They were told that if
they did not surrender in ten miniates, the attack
would be made on their Battery. We had now our
forces in Battery No. 5, whose fire turned on them
would soon have silenced them. They siirrendered
five Generals and about 5000 men.
Genl. Santa Anna's equipage, and about $30,000
in his chest, were found in or near his tent; his
carriage was also found, he having left the battle-
field early that morning or the night before. An
immense supply of ammunition for Artillery and small
Arms was fotmd in caverns, etc., near the batteries.
The field was strewn with the dying and the dead.
The hiU of Battery No. 5 presented many horrid sights —
I never want to see such again. Oiu: men gave the
poor devils what water they could spare from their
nearly exhausted canteens. Our Surgeons amputated
the arms and legs of some of the wounded.
The action was over by half-past ten o'clock. The
remainder of the day was employed in pursuit, and in
Ill Mexico 141
collecting the wounded. We slept that night near the
base of the high hill No. 5, the Compy. in the road,
and your humble servant with the Adjt. in his tent,
pitched on the right of the road at the spot marked
by a dot. o
Early the next day we resumed the advance, halted
about twelve near Genl. Santa Anna's residence — that
is, one of his residences, called "Encerro. " An Officer
was stationed here by Genl. Patterson or Twiggs
to protect the property. We marched about 12 miles
farther and made a late and uncomfortable encamp-
ment.
The next day we reached the beautiful and celebrated
City of Jalapa (only think of it, nearly all the jalap
used as medicine is taken from this place) . Marched
our dirty and wearied troops through as if we designed
making a display, halted in the outskirts of the City
till three p.m., when we again took up our line of march
leaving the 2nd Div. in that City.
We encamped that night near a large cotton factory ;
the night was intensely cold, ice formed in our basins.
Off again the next morning early, road ascending and
rough ; about eleven we came to a village at the entrance
of a pass which they had commenced fortifying, but
seized by the panic spread by the runaways from the
battle of Cerro Gordo, they had abandoned it, leaving
seven or eight pieces of caimon on the ground. This
would have been an ugly pass, as it was in the midst
of the lava of an old volcano, exceedingly rough and
sharp ; its rough jagged points would have impeded the
advance of ovu: troops and kept us under their fire.
Passing over this volcanic road, we soon found
ourselves in the region of the pine. The scenery was
exceedingly grand and picturesque. Encamped that
142 An Artillery Officer
night at Las Vegas, water excellent, night cold. The
next day we entered this celebrated work early
in the day, the troops having hastily abandoned it the
preceding day. We are now in the region of the cedar.
Perote, Mex.
April 26, 1847.
As this is merely a note to inform you of our leaving
this place this morning I do not number it with my
regular series. I have a letter nearly finished in my
trunk which I packed thinking I would have an opportun-
ity of mailing it from our point of destination, but as a
mail may leave here to-day or to-morrow, I regret not
having kept that letter out, and closing it here. The
drum has just beat for the assembling of the ist
Brigade. To-day we march about eleven miles, to-
morrow thirteen, on the road to Puebla, then we await
further orders. Genl. Scott is expected here to-day.
The news from the Capital told by the diligence yes-
terday is cheering. Everybody was panic-struck by
the reception of the news of the battle of the i8th.
Genl. Santa Anna had not been heard from; those
formerly most "loud for War," now talk of peace. I
must now close. May God Almighty bless and protect
you.
No. 6 continued. The preceding sheet I had written
and it had been packed away in my trunk, when I
penned so hastily a note to you from Perote this morn-
ing. I now write in my tent at our Camp about eight
miles on the road towards Puebla. We must not,
however, leave Perote without devoting a few lines to
remarks upon the country between Jalapa and Perote
and also to its celebrated Castle.
In Mexico 143
Until we reached Jalapa we saw very little to interest
the land speculator. At Jalapa everything indicates
a richer, better soil; the land is well situated also for
cultivation. You see here along the roadside as weU
built stone fences as the Yankees boast of. The
houses, too, are better built. The climate also seems,
and is reputed to be, delightful.
A rapid ascent, however, soon brings you into a region
rather cool to be pleasant to those who come up rapidly
from the hot lands of Vera Cruz. The land is rich,
both in approaching the volcanic stream mentioned
in the preceding part of this letter and after leaving
it. The scenery is beautiful, regularly-sloped hills
rise on every side, and in the distance may be seen the
snow-covered peak of Orizaba; the intervening valley
as deep rich soil as to be found anywhere; com, oats,
barley, rye grow well here, peaches and cherries were
seen; with them you see the Agave Americana and
other plants we see as curiosities.
At Jalapa the coffee bush grows. When you reach
the plain of Perote, the soil is evidently less rich and
shews sand and clay. The town of Perote has, as
far as I can ascertain in marching through one of its
streets, very few respectable-looking houses.
The Fortaleza, or Castle as it is called, is situated
on a plain, about half a mile from town. The main
work is a square, surrounded by a large square, the
angles of which are bastioned, the whole having a
ditch around it. The walls of the inner work which
form the exterior walls of the quarters are three feet
thick. This place has been at various times the prison
of some of Mexico's greatest men. The turn of the
political wheel has taken them from the palace to this,
prison. There were confined the Texan prisoners.
144 An Artillery Officer
In the Chapel we found the tomb of Mexico's first
President, Genl. Victoria. Generals Morales and Lan-
dero who commanded at Vera Cruz were released
from a confinement ordered by Genl. Santa Anna, by
the evacuation of this place by the Mexican troops.
Genl. Landero had a conversation of about an hour's
length with Genl. Worth since we came here. He
wished to know what our Govt, desired. He says
that Santa Anna has allied himself with the sans-
culottes, that the better instructed class desire peace,
that if the United States do not press too hard upon
them, and can only save Mexican honor, that all may
yet be well. He says that the last battle has been
fought. It is now becoming dark so rapidly that I
must close. God bless my wife, etc., etc.
April 28th. Tepayahualco. Our Brigade is accom-
panied by Duncan's Battery and Lt. Col. Smith's
Battalion of Light Troops ; we are twenty -five leagues
(say fifty-five miles) from Puebla, where we are, I
presume, to take up summer quarters, that is if we do
not go on to Mexico. For really our being here is
so unexpected to me, that I know not where we are to
stop. Our orders are to remain here tmtil further
orders.
I can not speak positively of the whereabouts of
Genl. Scott, or of the other Divisions. One Compy.
of oxir Division with two pieces of Arty, under Lt.
H. Brown, were left at our Camp of yesterday, the
remainder of our Division was left under Genl. Worth
at Perote.
Genl. Scott was expected to reach Perote the day
after we left. I suppose that the whole Army will
gradually come on. They may halt at Perote and at
In Mexico 145
some other places for the coming up of our train with
provisions, and also to secure and obtain supplies from
the country. Thus far everything we obtain is paid
for liberally, probably at higher prices than the usual
ones of the country; this is however mere conjecture.
This I do know, that individually we pay enormously
for everything we purchase.
We are now, and have been for the last forty
miles, in a volcanic country. On every side you see
the uneven and jagged peaks of old volcanoes, or pass
along the side or over the beds formed by the lava.
These volcanoes have not been extinguished long
enough for the lava to become sufficiently decomposed
to support vegetation, and consequently we rarely see
any approach to a tree.
The cactus here and there encroaches up the jagged
side of some moimtain. We are beyond the growth
of cedar. Orizaba still shews us his white head. I
hope that oiu" soldiers will, if permitted to rest here
a few days, get well. So sudden has been our transition
from the burning sands of Vera Cruz to the cold region,
and this change has been accompanied by so much
and continued exertion, and with so great a loss of
sleep, that our Command has been sadly reduced.
Ten of "G" Co. are on the sick report to-day, none
seriously sick. Most of these cases have been in fact
produced by a cause I have not enumerated, viz.,
daily change of the kind of water drunk.
You must not be astonished at not receiving letters
from me as regularly as you see statements of our
movements published in the papers. Look at things
as they now are; you may see weekly accounts of
Genl. Scott's being with the Army at such a date ; now,
when he sends his mails we know not. Again express
146 An Artillery Officer
men are sent back, I understand, without escorts,
and I think we shall soon hear of some being killed.
I fear that in that way we shall find our correspondence
sadly interfered with.
If the Mexicans have any gallantry, and that they
have has long been their boast, they will send all
except public letters to some place whence our expresses
may again take them. Though I do not know when this
letter can go, I shall close it now and send it to Genl.
Hd. Qrs. whence they wiU send it by the first man who
retiums to Perote. Then again it will wait for a chance.
I have not mentioned who our Brigade Commander
was — it is Col. Garland, 4th Infy. Of our Battalion
Commander I have become heartily tired. He is
eternally cross, snapping and snarling at everybody
and at everything. He has been messing with me,
but I gave notice to-day that the mess was broken up.
I will have my meals undisturbed by ill temper. Every-
body is disgusted with him. Pity it is too, as when he
chooses he can be an elegant gentleman.
Friend Lt. Col. W. W. Graham, nth Infy., is with
us. He pays me a short visit nearly every day.
Our young friend Thomas has a very ugly cough. I
had one touch of fever and ague, but two doses of
quinine mastered it, and I am now feeling as bright
as usual.
Santa Anna has not gone to the Capital. 'T is said
that he is with a handful of troops at Orizaba. Mexico
has no Army. May it please God to end this war,
and to restore me to my own beloved family.
No. 7. Tepayahualco, April 29th. Morning.
Your sweet letter was received last night after I
had closed and sent to Hd. Qrs. my letter No 6. I
In Mexico H7
cannot allow the return to Perote of an express from our
Camp without acknowledging its receipt and thanking
you most sincerely for so charming a letter. And so
you wonder whether I thought of you on the 26th of
March? My answer you have ere this received.
I pray to God that your mind may have retained the
sweet tranquillity which was beaming on it when you
wrote, and that you have not been unnerved by the
numerous rumors with which the papers must have
been filled about the battle of Cerro Gordo — a battle
more valuable in its results than any which has been
yet fought in Mexico.
I do not feel Hke underrating, nor do I intend to
imderrate, Genl. Taylor's glorious victories, but they
differ from Genl. Scott's at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo
in this: in Genl. T.'s actions, but few unconditional
surrenders of prisoners have been made. By both of
Genl. Scott's about 17,000 Mexicans have been bound
not to take further part in the War. Indeed, by the
surrender of their Arms, they have been incapacitated
from so doing.
We hear that Genl. Santa Anna could raise a large
army of the yoiuig men of the country, but that he
caimot obtain Arms for them. We shall soon find
out what Mexico intends doing; at present panic
pervades every place. Whether it will rouse the people
to great exertions, or cause them more wisely to turn
their thoughts to sweet peace, no one can tell.
The policy pursued by Genl. Scott is, I think, pro-
ducing a favorable result on the common people.
Nothing has been forcibly taken. I think that as
far as I can see the laboring Mexicans care very little
about the War, and that, by a continuance of this
course, after a few months they will feel more secxure
148 An Artillery Officer
in their persons and property than they have ever
been under their own authorities.
I fear that there are occasional violations of Genl.
Scott's orders, on the part of the Volunteers, and in
a small way, on the part of the Regulars, but all these
combined amotmt to much less than they have been
compelled to bear from their own soldiery.
To-day we shall receive a supply of fifteen days' rations
in wagons from Vera Cruz; this neighborhood can furnish
our large force with very little of any kind of provisions.
We have passed over a very rich belt of land, and
are now where there appear to be no large farms.
The little market in this village contains very little.
I went on a foraging party this morning, and the
amount of my purchases was one pork's backbone,
twenty-five cents, and eight eggs, twenty-five cents.
For an old hen, its monster master wanted me to pay
seventy-five cents. I give you these as samples of
the prices. Occasionally you can get mutton, and a
few prematurely ripe tomatoes. When we get to
Puebla, we shall again be in the land of plenty. I shall
expect to fatten rapidly. The great article of Mexican
cookery is the black bean. Frijoli and red peppe'-s
grow everywhere.
I am sorry to tell you that an application has been
made by Lt. Thomas for orders to leave Mexico on
account of his health. He has a very distressing cough,
is unfit for duty, and, if he remains here, will, I think,
be useless for a long time. Capt. Taylor has, also
applied for the same indulgence: he is incapable of
marching, from varicose veins. The 3rd cannot now
muster an officer for duty with the companies here.
Where all our officers are, 't is hard to find out — some
are with the northern portion of the invading Army.
In Mexico i49
April 29th. Evening.
I received this evening your letter of the first,
full of apprehensions and alarm. You did not
express yourself as freely as you did in some of
your previous letters, and I regret it because I know
that you would have felt more comforted and resigned
after having done so. I know what your state of
mind was, but thank God, the agony is now over,
and you have since felt how sweet it is to put your
trust in "Him who alone can save."
I had intended keeping this, and writing a long letter,
adding something to it daily, but the reception of two
letters in two days is an event which deserves special
notice and a prompt reply. Friend is, I regret
to say, on a little frolic to-day. I must give him a war
talk to-morrow; he is just beginning, I fear, a long
spree. A word from Father in this out of the way part
of the world would control him greatly. He thinks
all the world of his old General.
One of our officers returns to Perote to-morrow;
I shall send this letter by him, hoping that it may be
rapidly forwarded to you. Fearing that the express
may leave too early for me to add to my letter, I shall
close it to-night. My eyes are not strong enough to
write well by the light of a Mexican tallow candle,
which is all we can get here.
No news of an advance. We are as quiet here among
these people as if we were old friends. How thoughtful
of you to keep my old Mother informed of her stray
son. Thank you. I ought to write to the family,
but, when I take up my pen, it seems that the lines
must be addressed to you.
150 An Artillery Officer
No. 8. Tepeyahualco, Mex.
May, I, '47.
"Word has just been sent me that a mail would
leave in half an hour so that I shall have time to write
you a very few lines. Of news there is nothing, except
that this morning a messenger from the British Minister
at Mexico passed through this place. He says that
the Mexican Congress is divided equally, one half
for making and the other for opposing a peace. He
says that there will be no more fighting, that there
are no troops at Puebla, and that in the City no
resistance will be made. God grant that we may soon
have peace and that his predictions about no more
fighting may be verified.
Genl. Scott has not come up, indeed we have no
news from the rear. The climate is here so cold,
particularly at night, as to be most unpleasant.
Yesterday, as I informed you, one of our officers was
sent back to Perote on duty ; he will be up to-morrow,
and will bring us information from Hd. Qrs. I am
tired of remaining in this miserable place. Nothing
is raised here, that I can see, but the Maguey plant,
from which pulque, the cider of the country, is obtained.
Everything is brought on the backs of donkeys.
To-morrow, Sunday, is the great market day. We
shall see what the neighbors will bring in for our money.
These people are the veriest Jews I have ever met.
Regarding us as enemies 't is natural that they should
make us pay dearly for everything, but it seems to me
that our commanders, on arriving at a town, should
demand from the Alcalde the customary prices, and
arrange a tariff accordingly.
Orizaba is in distinct view. I do wish you could
enjoy with me some of the grand views we oc-
In Mexico 151
casionally have on our marches. Not a day passes
that I do not regret that I have not cultivated the little
talent I have for sketching. Fearing that the mail
may go suddenly, I must now close.
Tepeyahualco, Mexico.
May 1st.
(The priest spells this word Tepe.) The note sent
off this morning was written so hurriedly that you see
that I do not count it as one of my letters. That
yours of the ist April about the desponding tone of
which I wrote in mine (number 6) should have been
written at that time is not at all surprising, as you
had just heard of the immense loss of life attending
Genl. Taylor's great battle at Buena Vista. But the
reports of Genl. Scott's victories at Vera Cruz and
Cerro Gordo will, long ere you receive this, shew
you that matters are managed here differently.
There is not a better soldier or braver man than
Genl. Z. Taylor, and he will gain victories, but those
who fight tmder him must incur with their Genl.,
who is nearly always in the front of the battle (where
he should not be), the full dangers of an open direct
attack. Genl. Scott has his battle-fields well reconnoi-
tred, and avails himself of all the advantages which sci-
ence or skill may suggest. Maj. Wade, whose tent is next
to mine, has come in and commenced talking to me so
that I have to stop writing for to-night. Good-night.
Sunday, May 2nd. 1 1 o'clock.
I have just finished my morning's readings in
which I always try to make myself think you take
yoirr part, and resume my pleasant labor of writing to
you. 'T is a labor of love.
152 An Artillery Officer
Genl. Scott has, we hear, ordered two of the new
Regiments to join our Army; the nth Infy. is one;
which the other is, I have not heard. I would like
very much to have Duncan in our Brigade, but the
chances are that the 13th has been ordered to Point
Isabel ; if so, he will be with Genl. Taylor, an excellent
friend of Father's. Lt. Andrews states that at Perote,
whence he returned yesterday, there are no rumors
about our advance; indeed, it is there said that Genl.
Worth has received orders from Genl. Scott to make
no movement until he receives orders.
Genl. Santa Anna, report says, is trying to organize
an Army at Orizaba which is said to be a very pretty
village in a fertile region of country. We may be
ordered to take summer quarters there, instead of at
Puebla. I should prefer the latter place as it is a large
city and one where our men might be made more
comfortable than in a smaller place. Here, the
majority of the population (evidently nearly full-
blooded Indians) Hve in houses made by driving a
few posts in the groiind and thatching the sides and
tops with a species of palm-leaf. Some few live in houses
built of rough stones forming very thick walls, plastered
inside and outside, having tiled roofs; the best floors
are formed of large bricks about fifteen inches square,
or made firm and hard with a kind of cement. The
buildings are of one story ; those I have been in, have
very little ftimiture, and that of the rudest kind ; around
the walls you find almost invariably, pictures of saints,
occasionally a painting, generally coarse, colored
engravings.
The other morning I was offered, seemingly as a
great treat, one of their dishes, a little pork cut in
fine pieces, rolled in commeal dough, and boiled.
In Mexico 153
well covered by a com shuck. It tasted pretty well,
and I answered their enqtiiries by telling them it was
muy bueno. Perhaps I went to market this morning
too early. I saw nothing there but some chickens,
a few eggs (three cents apiece), and onions one cent
apiece.
I hear that our Brigade Commander saw Lt. Johnson
(you saw him at Ft. Moultrie) going to chiurch this
morning and that he expressed dissatisfaction at his
going alone — fears that officers may be murdered in
chtirch! What next? Lt. Thomas is not improving;
indeed, I think that if he be not sent off very soon, that
he will die ; he is a very sick man, and has never been
well since he had an attack of brain fever at Monterey.
He ought to have left the country then, but could not
be induced to do so. I will now put away this letter
till after dinner.
Having mentioned that I wotild stop writing till
after dinner, I may as well state what oiu- dinner
was, particularly as it was a very respectable dinner and
very well cooked for a camp. First course, vermicelli
soup, rice; second, midlings and greens, and fricassee
(beef, bacon, and onions), pickles; third course, Mame
pear and musk melon, sauce, sherry wine and sugar.
The melon was a present. Thus you see that I am
not starving here. The we composing our Mess
embraces Wade and myself. Lt. Thomas is a third,
but is too sick to join us at table. Here is where we
live; the area is surrounded by a rough stone wall
about twelve feet high; it was formerly a room, but
the rafters and roof having decayed, it is now exposed
to the light of the stars ; the floor is of cement.
Genl. Scott's order for the troops to hold them-
selves in readiness to advance as soon as our expected
154 An Artillery Officer
supply train reaches Jalapa with provisions from Vera
Cruz, was received this morning. He says that as
it will soon be impossible to keep up the communication
with Vera Cruz, it will be necessary for the Army to
look to the coimtry for its means of subsistence. He
therefore lurges the necessity of conciliation and kind
treatment towards the countrymen. States that
nothing must be taken from them without payment
being made, denounces those who act differently,
as enemies of their Country, etc. So I presume that
we shall soon leave this place. This all of us will re-
joice at, as the water is so bad here that our sick
lists are daily increasing. If this be a fair sample
of the water in volcanic countries, I prefer al-
most any other. The parade drum is now beat-
ing, so that I must stop again, resuming, if I can, to-
night.
Monday, May 3rd.
Lt. Totten, son of Col. Totten, Engineers, one of
the new appointments, has just joined us. He came
up the day before yesterday from Vera Cruz. I
am sorry to learn that Genl. Scott was indisposed,
when he, Lt. T,, passed through Jalapa. He says
that the Genl. was writing when he called to see
him but that he had been suffering from chills and
fever. This is certainly, to persons coming from
the seacoast, a sickly climate. The people of the
coxmtry look well and hearty, but our sick list is
still increasing daily.
Lt. T. informs me that some companies of the new
Regts. had already arrived at Vera Cruz, that there
were many cases of dysentery among the men, as with
us, but no yellow fever. Col. Wilson is, I believe, a
In Mexico 155
very good police officer, and will do all in his power
to keep the City clean.
I omitted mentioning that my right bower, Derr,
had been unwell ; he is now nearly well and will, I hope,
continue so. Old Wilson is with us — he was unwilling
to be left behind. Most of the "G's" left in the
Hospital at Vera Cruz are now, I learn by a note from
Dr. Porter, on their way to join me. I regret not
finding Cramer's name among them. As he is a handy
man and pretty good clerk. Dr. P.' may have kept
him, though well enough to'^have been sent with
the rest. I hope, for the sake of his poor wife,
that my surmise may be correct. Capt. Lee, Engi-
neers, thinks that we shall leave this place in a few
days.
Our Surgeons have urged Genl. Worth in the strong-
est manner to remove the troops from here as soon
as possible. Genl. Worth still remains at Perote, and
as such representations have been made to him about
our tmhealthiness, I fancy we shall not see him until
we are to resiime our advance.
At Perote the Ord. Officers are engaged in breaking
up the small arms found in the Castle and in collecting
and preparing the powder for transportation. The
number of muskets collected at Cerro Gordo and at
Perote must have been very great. As they were of
no use to us, it was perhaps wise to order them to be
destroyed.
Mr. Thomas says that he feels somewhat better to-
day. Dr. Satterlee came to see him yesterday;
he says that he is not dangerously ill, but that if his
disease be not soon checked he will become so. An
answer to his application to be ordered to the United
States may be received to-morrow.
156 An Artillery Officer
May 4th.
The return train which has, I learn, just arrived is to
take a mail back, and I regret most deeply to say-
that we have been notified that it will be our last
opportunity for some time for writing home. I hope
that this will not be so, but at present it has the sanc-
tion of the highest in authority here, as our Brigade
Commander told one of our officers this morning that
after this mail was despatched, it would be along
time before another would be sent. Should you there-
fore fail to receive letters as regularly as you have
hitherto, you will know the cause and not be uneasy.
We expect to leave for Puebla in two or three days,
and no resistance will be made. The inhabitants, we
hear, are preparing for our reception — cleaning and
whitewashing their barracks, baking bread, etc. I hope
that when the citizens of Mexico find our army es-
tablished in our summer quarters there, they will
feel the inutility of resistance, and to save themselves
the disgrace of having to siurender their Capital, they
will make peace. God grant that this may be soon
accomplished ; of one thing you may be well assured,
that I will eagerly embrace every opportunity of
writing to you.
We are now so far in, that I prestmie if peace be made
soon after we reach Puebla, we can hardly hope to be
able to leave the country until late in the Fall ; so that
I must make up my mind to abandon all idea and hope
of seeing you for many a weary month.
Seven of the men left at Vera Cruz arrived this
morning. I am sorry to learn from them that Cramer
was very sick when they left. There had been no
cases of yellow fever in the Hospital where my men
were. I was afraid that our Doctor would send some
In Mexico i57
of the Company to the Hospital at Perote or Jalapa.
I have been overlooking your letters and find that
commencing with the one of Jany. 7th I have them
for each week to the ist of April. Can it be that after
one or two mails more we are to be cut off from our
communication with Vera Cruz, and to be deprived
of the invaluable blessing of hearing from our families?
I cannot think that Genl. Scott will not, soon after
reaching Puebla, make some arrangement for receiving
and forwarding mails.
Mr. Thomas, who since he has had a hope of leaving
the country has gradually improved, will leave to-
morrow morning. Capt. Taylor will probably start
with him. They do not know whether they will be
allowed to go directly to the United States or have
to stop at Perote or Jalapa. Perote, except the
superiority of its water, is not much better than this
place. I envy the gentlemen the happiness which
awaits them on their return home, but would dislike
to be sent there on account of ill-health.
I send in this letter some seed of the most beautiful
yeUow tomato I ever saw. We may have the same
kind in the United States, but I have never seen them.
I have several other kinds of seed, but as some of them
cannot well be sent in letters I have them stowed away
in the top of my old trunk. The com is, in this region,
very small in its grain, which is very long. There is
a very pretty variety of small black com, some of which
I will bring home. Barley is cultivated here in
greater abundance than any of the small grains; the
grain and straw is the principal food for horses. I may
not have time in the morning to write any more; if
I can I will cross-write a little, and will therefore close
my letter now.
158 An Artillery Officer
Do not be over-anxious at not hearing from me;
believe no newspaper stories from the Army. I
cannot resist giving you here one or two instances of
misstatements to shew you how much we who are
in the Army are deceived by false statements. Genl.
Shields and Lt. Dana have both been reported dead —
information positive — the last news is that they are
both at Jalapa and with favorable chances of recovery.
Fortunately, I did not write to Lt. Dana's mother, as
I was near doing. Placing with me your whole
confidence in God, let us hope that it may soon be
His pleasure to restore me in good health to you.
May 5th. Before breakfast. The express goes early
this morning, so that I shall barely have time to bid
you good-morning. Dr. Satterlee has decided that
Capt. Taylor is not to go. Lt. Thomas leaves with
the express. Good-bye, etc. Shall write to my dear
Mother by this mail.
No. 9. Tepeyahualco, Mexico.
Wednesday, May 5th.
Although I wrote this morning, and warned you
that I might not have an opportunity again of soon
forwarding a letter to you, I cannot refrain from
pursuing my old and pleasant task of writing to you.
This day one month ago, I left Vera Cruz. One
month before that, I reached Anton Lizards. What
important events have taken place since the last men-
tioned dates ! How different might have been my fate,
but for the all-sustaining power and mercy of God ! I
pray that I may become daily more and more fervently
thankful for His mercies, and may feel my entire
dependence on Him more fully than I have hitherto.
In Mexico 159
Preparations are being made here for the reception
of the remainder of the Army, but I have not heard
that any information had been received as to the time
they might be expected. I presume that as the ac-
commodations are very insufficient here, even for our
present force (about 1500 men) we shall advance
as soon as another portion of the Army arrives. As
Puebla is a large city, containing between sixty and
seventy thousand inhabitants, I suppose the Army,
or the larger portion of it, will make a display by
entering it in one body.
We hear that a large mail is on its way, but why it
does not come as rapidly as rumor, which reports its
slow movement, I cannot tell. I hope it will soon
arrive, as I am very anxious to hear from you. Yoixr
next letter will give me news of you up to the eighth
of April and may perhaps inform me when you will
leave for Habersham. I fear that I may have changed
the direction of my letters too soon. But anxious that
a letter should reach Clarkesville about the time you
did, I changed my direction, hoping to give you an
agreeable surprise.
I have just seen Genl. Scott's order, dated Japala,
May 3rd, annotmcing that Genl. Patterson's Division
was to commence its march by brigade on the next
day. Genl. Worth also announces to his Division
that it is to resume the march in the advance of the
Army.
His order alludes to the cowardly conduct of the
Mexicans in assassinating some of our men, perhaps
some stragglers on our marches. Our men frequently
lag behind the column, sometimes through fatigue, at
other times for the purpose of pilfering or drinking.
I am not at all astonished at their being murdered.
i6o An Artillery Officer
From the tenor of these orders I presume we shall
leave here on the yth, and I have not the least idea
of seeing a soldier enemy between this and Puebla.
The Mexican Congress have, it is said, already
adopted resolutions as to what they will do when our
Army marches to their Capital. Poor deluded Nation —
the people are not fit for self-government, and we are,
perhaps, instruments intended to open this country to
the world and finally to estabHsh enlightened and free
government in it. Education must first be spread
among the masses, who are now ignorant and idle.
That our Army wiU be followed by active and en-
terprising men, who wiU remain in the Country, I
do not doubt. They will give a stimulus which will
finally produce good results and effect great changes
in the people and Country. God grant that / may soon
complete my task in this great work, and be restored
to my native land and my own beloved fireside.
I have been listening this afternoon to the band
of the 4th Infy. (now under command of Lt. Col.
W. W. Graham, nth Infy.) and am better pleased
with its music than with that of any of the bands
with the Army. The former leader of the 4th Arty.
Band, Bloomfield, is at his first station, the recruiting
depot, New York Harbor. Since his departure, that
Band has deteriorated very much. I must now bid
you good-night. Bonsoir.
Thursday, May 6th. Early this morning, four French
gentlemen arrived from Puebla. They report that
no opposition will be made, that the inhabitants of
Puebla expect us, and do not know what to think about
our not going on. They do not appear to be men of
consequence, but may be intended to learn what our
In Mexico i6i
expectations and plans are. They speak of going to
Jalapa, and say that a pledge given by Genl. Scott
to the Church Party will have a good effect, that the
War Party are circulating reports that we are inimical
to their Church, and that we will not respect their
persons, or protect them in their rights and property.
As this pledge is no more than the Genl. has already
given, there will be no difficulty on that point.
The Mexican Congress is still in session and it is
said to be issuing commissions to Guerrilla officers.
If they commence that species of warfare, and wage
it in the cruel manner their relations did in Spain, we
shall be compelled to adopt a mode of warfare totally
abhorrent to our feelings and wishes. God grant that
I may never be engaged in so conducting a war as to
be compelled to give no quarter, to take no prisoners.
I do not believe that the Mexicans will attempt a
game in which they are so certain of being the heaviest
losers.
No mail yet. No news to-day from Genl. Hd.
Qrs., though we all expect orders this evening to be
ready for our forward move to-morrow or the next
day. Although otir men have crowded the sick
lists since we arrived, the time here has not been lost,
as by our daily drills we are getting our raw soldiers into
some semblance of military men. "G" Co. is now
on paper loo strong, but I rarely have more than 60
on duty.
No case here of serious sickness, but cases sufficiently
important to render it necessary for them to be excused
from duty. What has become of my old friend Capt.
Burke? The last heard of him was that he was re-
cruiting his Compy. in North Carolina.
The provision of the Bill passed by the last Con-
1^2 An Artillery Officer
gress, granting one hiondred and sixty acres of land
to all who serve during the war, must, I thiiLk, have
soon presented him with enough recruits to fill his
Compy. If he has succeeded in completing his Compy.
I suppose we shall soon have him with us. We will
then have in our little Battalion the three senior
Captains of the Regt.
My joumeyings are all plain matter of fact joggings
on. We start early in the morning, and after a certain
number of halts, stop at some designated spot, where
we make ourselves as comfortable as we can for the
night. As it is now near Retreat, I will close for to-
night.
Friday, May 7th. 4 P.M. A Command of two Com-
panies of Infy. and one of Dragoons was sent forward
this morning on the Puebla road, some fifteen miles, to
bring an Alcalde, or some of his subjects, to task for
preventing the inhabitants arotmd his town from bring-
ing provisions to our troops here. This move will, I
presimie, be totally unexpected, and his being brought
down and probably sent to Perote may have a good
effect. Our paying the Mexicans liberally for what
they bring will induce them to come, oiu" punishing
those who prevent them, will shew them that we know
and feel our strength, and that it will be exerted when
necessity demands it.
The Command will not return till sometime to-
morrow. No mail and no positive information about
one. Col. Garland received, I hear, a letter from Genl.
Worth last night informing him that we were not to
advance as soon as had been anticipated. What
important or unimportant events have caused this
delay is left to prolific conjecture.
In Mexico 163
It is amusing to hear the various reasons assigned
for everything, the object of which is not understood.
Some surmise that the express, whose passing my last
letter announced, had important communications
from the British Minister for Genl. Scott, etc. I care
very little what takes place, so that a peace be soon
honorably secured.
I have said very little of the temperature and ap-
parent climate of this place. The climate is not unlike
that where you are (Habersham^). Exposed to the
svm dtuing the day, between nine and fotu" it is very
warm, uncomfortably so, and at night it is sufficiently
cold to require at least two good blankets as covering.
How our poor men are to sleep out exposed, as they must
be on the march from this place to Puebla, to the chilly
night wind without tents and some of them without
blankets, I cannot imagine, without their being made
sick.
At Major Wade's request, as he said it would gratify
his wife very much, I wrote her a note the other day,
informing her that we were messing together, and
that we had promised to take care of each other.
She is, you remember, a sister of Bvt. Major Robert
C. Buchanan, and is said to be a remarkably fine
woman. The Major will not, I fear, return home so
as to be present at his daughter's marriage. He is
an excellent-hearted, and one of the most liberal men
we have with us.
I much prefer living as we now do, to being in the large
Mess I had when we arrived. Now we are sociable.
Then our Commander worried me at every meal by
some display of petulance, or by uttering some ill-
' Genl. Clinch's seat in the northern part of Georgia in the moun-
tains.
i64 An Artillery Officer
natured or ungentlemanly remark. He now enjoys
his solitary meal alone. The Adjt. eats with one of
the Compy. officers.
The market people are becoming much more rea-
sonable in their prices; we now buy a dozen eggs for
eighteen and three quarters cents, occasionally five
cents for a pie ; onions, sixteen for six and one quarter
cents, and bananas, seven for six and one quarter cents.
Chickens half grown, eighteen and three quarters
cents each. These prices will do very well. The fresh
meats we get are generally hog and sheep — the hogs
always skinned — most funny-looking things they are
with their jackets off. In this region, we scarcely ever
see a cow.
I must now go out and take a look at the drill;
our men get enough of it, two hours before dinner, and
two in the afternoon. Our Regt. is the only one in
the Brigade whose companies have to drill in the
morning.
Saturday, May 8th.
Anniversary of the battle of Palo Alto, the beginning
of the War. Poor Mexico, what has she not lost during
the past year! The progress of our Arms has been as-
tonishing. The Companies sent out yesterday have
returned. They found within twelve miles of us a very
fertile valley, where an abundance of grain, mutton, and
pork can be obtained for our troops.
A fine village, San Juan de los Llanos, was visited.
There they found marks of refined civiHzation — ice-
cream, champagne, and nice candies. Barley and
com are extensively cultivated there.
The Prefeto had escaped; he is the man who is
responsible to the Govt, and was the man the Command
In Mexico 165
went after. The Alcalde professed friendship, and
promised to send provisions in.
One man, the rich man of the valley, was stubborn
and surly. The Officer in command told him that we
wanted suppUes, and that he would be paid well for
them if he would bring them in, but that if he did not
send or bring his grain, etc., in to-day, that a Command
would be sent for them, and that no remuneration
would be made to him. He promised to send in what
he had.
Genl. Scott's order directing the discharge of the
Volunteers whose terms of service are about expiring
was received this morning. Major Genl. Patterson
returns to the United States with them. He is com-
pHmented. Brig. Genl. Quitman, Mississippi, remains
in command of four Regiments of Volunteers of the
last levy. The 6th Regt. of Infy. will join us this
evening. Whether this indicates an advance, we
know not.
Major, I ask pardon, Lt. Col. Graham has just
informed me that the express was to leave immediately
for Perote. Fearing that I may lose the chance of
this mail, and be thus thrown back for several days,
I will now close.
No. 10. Tepeyahualco.
Saturday, May 8, 1847.
No. 9 was despatched this morning. I hope it may
be sent rapidly to its destination.
Soon after it was mailed. Col. Garland, our Brigade
Commander, paid me a visit and shewed me an order
from Genl. Worth directing him to send a Compy. of
the 3rd Arty, back to Perote, to constitute part of its
garrison and also a letter from the Genl. A. D. C. sug-
i66 An Artillery Officer
gesting that Capt. Robert Anderson would be a proper
person to send, ist, "for his peculiar fitness," etc., etc. I
immediately told the Col. that I appreciated the com-
pliment very highly, but I was convinced that the
climate of Perote would not suit me, and that I thought
Dr. Satterlee, our Senior Brigadier Surgeon, would so
decide. We immediately went to see the Dr. who
promptly said no, it would not do to send me there.
My friend the Dr. has thus saved me from being
incarcerated in that Castle for the summer. I cannot
bear the place — it reminds me of a penitentiary, and
the rooms even were very uncomfortable to my feel-
ings dxiring my stay there. A regular fever and ague
place. Capt. Taylor was then ordered, and he has
already left with his Company.
I am desirous of going as far into the interior as
any one goes. But as our Battalion is reduced to
three companies I fear we may be broken up to garri-
son different places along the road. The 6th Infy.
will arrive here this evening, the remainder of the
ist Division will stop to-night at San Antonio, be-
tween Perote and this place; to-morrow Genl. Worth
is to arrive and we are to resume the march the next
day, the loth.
We hear nothing of our long-talked-of mail, but hope
that it may come with a large train. Genl. Scott's order
mentions it as being on its way from Vera Cruz.
By the bye, I think I did not mention that a train
bringing up about $500,000, was attacked the other
day at Santa Fe, the first watering place this side
of Vera Cruz. The rancheros followed the train about
three miles, but were finally driven off. Supplies
have been sent in to-day from San Juan de los Llanos.
From the representations given of that place, it seems
In Mexico 167
to me unfortunate that we did not send a command
there soon after our arrival here; it might have added
much to our comforts in the eating line.
I dined to-day at Brigade Hd. Qrs. and will, to shew
you that their bill of fare was not much better than we
have, tell you what our dinner was. Chicken soup
with rice, pretty good ; loaf corn bread (a rarity and
treat) and wheat bread ; second course : roast turkey,
stuffed, plenty of onions— turkey not quite done — rice.
Dessert, pineapple. I confess to two things that we
cannot place on the table : claret wine and a fine glass
of sherry, in drinking which we did not forget the
battle of Palo Alto.
Genl. Quitman, we hear, has been promoted to a
Major Generalcy, and is the only one of our recent
Brigadiers who is to remain in Mexico. Generals Pillow
and Shields, both wounded, will, I presume, soon return
as heroes to their homes. No news from Puebla or
Mexico to-day.
Sunday, May 9th.
The order is out for our march to-morrow. The
Brigade takes the lead, with the Compy. of Dragoons
under Capt. Sibley, Lt. Col. Duncan's Battery of
Arty, and the train of Heavy Ordnance — one battering
train; on the day following, the other Brigade of this
Division. The remainder of the Army will, I prestmie,
follow in the same order.
Genl. Scott must certainly soon establish some regu-
larity in the means of transportation and transmitting
intelhgence to and from home. I have amused myself
to-day in reading the newspaper accoimts of our
landing at, and investing Vera Cruz. The enemy's
fortifications, possession of which was taken by our
i68 An Artillery Officer
troops the day we landed, must have been CMteaux en
Espagne, literally Castles in the air, for we never
heard of them before.
My letters will appear tame, compared with the
graphic accounts of our famous letter-writers. I wish
that those gentlemen would stick to their desks at
home. The Savarmah papers appear determined to
make heroes of all her sons; it will tax the ingenuity
of their editors to raise the Navy as high as the
paragraphs we have seen indicate their desire to do.
I presume that you have read Genl. Scott's report
of the capture of Vera Cruz and also of the battle
of Cerro Gordo; we shall not see them till returned
to the Army by the United States papers. The
Genl. has not sent us his order on the victory of Cerro
Gordo. I do not know why he delays ; he must, ere
this, have received returns and reports from the Com-
manders of Divisions and Brigades, furnishing materials
for an order.
Genl. Worth has not arrived yet, but he will, I
presxime, certainly come up this evening. We start
to-morrow with five days' rations, two days' cooked, in
the men's haversacks. Another of the men left at
Vera Cruz came up to-day. I am sorry to hear him
say that he does not think that three of those who
were left behind will ever join the Compy. again.
This campaign has been a very trying one on the poor
soldier. The sick report of our Battalion for this
morning was about sixty. I have had one man sent
back to the Hospital at Perote, and regret it as I
think he will not be much improved by the change.
We have not heard of or from Mr. Thomas since
he left us; he will continue to improve so long as he
flatters himself with the hope that he is to leave the
In Mexico 169
country, and so great an influence do I think his
imagination exercises over his disease, that I am satis-
fied, if he were stopped at Perote by a denial of his ap-
phcation that we should soon hear of his being a very
sick man.
To-day we have had no drills, a decided improvement
on the doings of last Sunday, when no respect was shewn
for the day. We ought to be very particular here,
as we have been represented as opposed to the religion of
the Country, and being determined to put the priest-
hood down.
Genl. Scott has ordered a spirit of conciliation to
be practised, and among other things, we should seem
to evince respect for the Sabbath. I hope, without
very urgent necessity, we shall have no more drills
on Sunday. Hoping that I may have an opportunity
of writing a few words before we leave to-morrow,
I shall now close.
Monday, May loth, seven o'clock.
Yours of 9th April was received yesterday. Thank
God your anxiety was relieved by the next mail, as
by letters from Savannah I find that Lt. Van Vliet,
who was at the siege, arrived there on the 14th. But
you must try to put your confidence more entirely on
the merciful Father who has so constantly guarded
us from every danger. 'T is He who rules the storm
and governs its course to subserve His own wise
purposes.
I will not have time to write a long letter this morning,
as we start at eight, and all are now busy loading
the wagons.
We will reach Puebla in about four days. No
information of any hostile force on or near the road.
170 An Artillery Officer
No. II. PuEBLA, Mexico.
May 15th, twenty minutes past one p.m.
I have this moment washed the dust of the road
from my face and hands, after having made our
entrSe into the City early this morning. We were
kept in the Plaza waiting for the selection of our
quarters for about three hours. We are now quartered
not far from the centre of Puebla, in an old barrack.
So much better, however, than we have been accustomed
to in Tepeyahualco, that we consider them reasonably
good. Major Wade and myself have again taken a
room together — this I agreed to rather than to incon-
venience all the yoimg officers by my selecting a
separate room.
This is a beautiful City, well built; some of the
squares or blocks must have cost immense simis.
The Cathedral is a very large building, very massive,
but not of as beautiful or good a style as some of the
churches. I may, however, before saying anything
more about the City, take up the narrative of my
march from the day of our leaving Tepeyahualco,
the date of my last letter, loth inst.
That night we encamped at Virreyes, ten miles;
the nth we marched about thirteen miles, and en-
camped at a horridly dirty hacienda, called Santa
Anna. We had, however, passed a very pretty little
church at Ojo de Agua — the country improving in
fertility and losing somewhat of its volcanic traces.
Very contradictory reports of the enemy on the 12th.
Passed about midday Nopolucan, the place where the
road running from Vera Cruz to Mexico intersects
the road we came.
The Padre met Genl. Worth before reaching the
City, and was very kind and full of friendly pro-
-^-#1 s
■L*i''rJf icSh J A ^isui^&iiSM
In Mexico 171
fessions whilst we were there. He requested that
the soldiers might be permitted to walk through the
church. It has a great deal of gilding, filled with
paintings; some of them, I wotild judge, making al-
lowance for a miserably bad light in which they are
seen, are very good. In one room, removed from the
main body of the church by a side door, I saw a repre-
sentation of our Saviour lying dead in a bed; the
coverhd was said to be more than two hundred years
old, well worn, worked with silk figures, flowers, etc.
The whole affair did not produce a favorable effect
on our minds. There was nothing pleasant either
in the design or execution of any part of it.
Encamped this night at the Hacienda de Pinal
where we were joined by the 2nd Brigade, under
Col. Clarke. Rumors of Santa Anna's having gone
to Puebla. Twenty pickets posted around Camp, the
soldiers informed that the enemy "are said to be
near, " and that they must sleep on their arms. To
cap the cHmax, and to render a false alarm inevitable,
an issue of grog was made after tattoo. About two
in the morning, the whole Army turned out, because
some of the men on guard fired at jackasses or some-
thing else — drink the cause.
The valley of Nopolucan isveryrich,presenting a beau-
tiful appearance, the fields divided by hedges of Maguey.
13th, Marched through a romantic country, the first
part of our route much broken, reached Amozoc, about
fourteen miles, early in the afternoon. No one knows
anything positive about Santa Anna. Men informed
that we are to remain here one day, for the arrival
of Genl. Quitman, and to enable them to clean and
brush up. A quiet undisturbed night.
172 An Artillery Officer
Sunday, i6th. Soon after breakfast, whilst the men
were busy cleaning belts, guns, etc., we were startled
by hearing the long roll. All were soon under arms,
when we heard that the enemy was coming down from
Puebla. They were seen filing along the base of a
hiU about three quarters of a mile to the right of
the town, their line extending as far as the configuration
of the country permitted us to see, say a mile. Troops,
Arty., Cavalry, and Infantry were immediately dis-
patched to attack them. Couriers were instantly sent
to inform Genl. Quitman of their presence — he was
known by Genl. W. to be within four miles of the City.
Reports stated that the Mexican troops, as seen,
amounted to about 5000 Cavalry. The Ord., Arty., and
Col. Smith's light Battalion were stationed in the
public Plaza, to guard it, and to remain there in reserve.
Firing of cannon was soon heard, and in a moment
the men stationed on the house tops proclaimed, by
a shout, that the Mexicans were running in every
direction. Having but parts of two Companies of
Cavalry with us, we could not avail ourselves of that,
the only species of troops useful in picking up the
retreating enemy, so that they got off with the loss
of such men as were killed by our Arty. The Infy.
brought in six prisoners, one of them an ill-looking
Padre. We had not a man either killed or wounded
by the enemy, who passed by the town towards the
direction we came from. Genl. Quitman saw them,
but as soon as he showed preparations of arrangements
for a fight, they bore off.
Genl. Worth questioned the prisoners and learned
that Genl. Santa Anna was with the Mexican troops.
The loss of the enemy in killed was reported to be
sixteen — it may have been much larger.
In Mexico 173
The troops were dismissed about twelve o'clock
with orders for our Brigade to be ready for a march
at three o'clock. We had scarcely finished a hasty
meal at half past eleven when we were summoned to
our Arms, and after a little delay, were told that we were
not to march for one hour, and that the Command
must be prepared for a night march. Left the City
about the appointed time, and marched about a mile
and a half; encamped under orders that we would
start between eight and ten o'clock.
Symptoms of rain shewing themselves very plainly,
Maj. W. and I had a small tent pitched. A few min-
utes afterwards, a heavy storm came on. During
the rain, a Staff Officer rode up, stating that the move-
ment was postponed till three a.m. As the Major
and myself were about composing ourselves to sleep,
we heard oiu: even-tempered Colonel say "that he
wished to God that he had his tent pitched." We
then determined that we would ask him to come
in with us. The invitation was immediately accepted,
and he slept there till word came that it was nearly
three o'clock and that we were to march at a quarter
past. He didn't say "thankee" but "moseyed" off.
I then went to Hd. Qrs. where I saw five genteel-
looking Mexicans, who Col. Garland told me were a
deputation from Puebla. Whilst there, a note was
received from Genl. W. stating that in consequence of
the darkness of the night the troops would not leave
Amozoc till daylight. Word was now sent to our
Command that we would march at daylight.
We left in the morning of the 15th at half -past five.
I have been thus minute, to let you into the secrets of
one night of a campaign, and to shew you how inno-
cently sleep may be killed.
174 An Artillery Officer
After divers halts along the road, we made our
entrance into this City about noon yesterday. Nearly
all of its eighty thousand inhabitants must have shown
themselves either along the sides of the streets, or
in and upon the houses. It reminded me of a New
York crowd on some celebration day — turning the New
Yorkers into some resemblance to Florida Indians.
Having brought you into this City, I will not attempt
any description of it at this time. I am not only
desirous of seeing something of it first, but am appre-
hensive, if I delay sending this letter to Hd. Qrs.
that a courier may be despatched to Genl. Scott
without it. I shall only therefore now add, that I
am in a room by myself, and that I visited the grandest
church this morning I ever saw — the same whose front
and external appearance I mentioned as not pleasing
me much. Genl. Santa Anna is said to be at St.
Martin, about nine leagues (thirty miles) from here,
on the road to Mexico. An election for President
took place yesterday; we do not know the result.
No. 12. PUEBLA DE LOS AnGELES.
May 17, 1847.
I fear that our correspondence cannot be continued
with the punctuality which has attended it thus far.
Should any of my letters fall into the hands of His
Excellency Genl. Santa Anna or any of his officers,
I hope that they will do me the favor of forwarding
them to you. My letters can be of no possible service
to them, as I, from my position, am debarred from aU
knowledge of the secret plans (if they have any) of
our Commanders. No. 11 was sent to Hd. Qrs.
yesterday, and is, I hope, well on its way.
I have been strolling round the City but have seen
In Mexico i75
very little of its beauties. The style of building of the
houses and of the churches is entirely different from
anything I have seen. The people too, the lower class
particularly, remind me, as I see them around the
fountains, of the old pictures of the Egyptians. I
cannot say much for the beauty of their Rebeccas,
for as yet I have not seen a tolerably handsome face.
Genl. Worth called, with the Commanders of
Regiments and Corps, on the Bishop this morning.
They were very affably received; the Bishop professed
that he wished to see kindly courtesies felt and ex-
changed between his flock and ourselves. He re-
turned the call in about an hour.
Lt. Austine says that he never saw such splendor
as was in everything connected with the Bishop's
Palace; the walls were filled with the choicest paint-
ings. The Bishop, a very old Spaniard, apparently
eighty or ninety, mentioned that he was in New York
in 1825. If he and his clerical brethren desire, they
can bring about a peace. God grant that wisdom and
not passion may prevail in their meditations on this
subject, and that they may ere long deserve and
receive the blessings of all good Christians for accom-
plishing this desirable result.
The priests must know that if the war continues
much longer, there will be great danger of their churches
being reduced to the level of other denominations,
which will be called into existence to satisfy the wants of
tens of thousands of foreigners who will be attracted
from every part of Europe by the reports of the richness
of their lands, the delightful temperature of their
climate, presenting to the palate every delicacy of the
most favored climes.
If the War be soon terminated, and the United
176 An Artillery Officer
States will not, I presume, though in actual possession
of all the seaports and of the largest and best portions
of their country, ask for a peace which will not save
Mexican honor, she can soon resume the ordinary
functions of her Govt, and if she prefers, again close
her doors to foreigners. As I shall probably spin out
this letter to a more than usual length, I wiU not
attempt any description of churches or City, till I
have had more than a mere glance at them. We have
not heard from Genl. Scott since our arrival. Report
says that an express despatched by him to Genl.
Worth has been cut off. I think it quite probable,
as there is great danger, even in times of peace, in
travelling along the route we came.
I may have something to say about manufactures be-
fore closing this letter, as Puebla is called by some
the Lowell of Mexico.
May 1 8th.
In walking through the streets this morning, I saw
many boys and women exposing for sale Genl. Scott's
address to the Mexican people. Presuming that all these
papers are as responsible as our papers, I wiU merely
state that he tells them truths in such a simple style,
in relation to the manner in which the people and Army
have been misled, and shamefully abandoned by their
Govt, and generals, that it will do much good. For-
eigners here speak highly in its favor. The General
tells them that he is going to Mexico, etc., etc.
I find that each day in going out, I am losing the
impression of novelty, which the first sight of the City
made on me. I had therefore better commimicate
this impression before it wears off. It may present
some views I might not otherwise give.
In Mexico ^n
The streets are broad with sidewalks of flat stones,
the centre paved with round stones. As you enter
either of the principal streets, the first thing that attracts
you as novel is a row of tin pipes (several to each
house) projecting some three or four feet from the upper
part of the walls of the houses; these are to throw the
water into the streets, which are thus policed by every
rain. Each window is closed by an iron grating,
projecting sufficiently into the street to enable the
senoritas to stand, or sit, and command a view of the
street. The upper story has a corresponding balcony
nearly all filled with flowers.
The walls, instead of presenting the sameness of ours
with the red bricks uniformly placed, present all
kinds of bright Hned mathematical figures; the man
of wealth shows a front formed of pieces of porcelain
(generally with the figures), presenting a very hand-
some appearance; his neighbor, probably not quite
as rich, has here and there pieces of porcelain forming
detached figures, whilst another has his house painted
to look hke the old-fashioned calicoes. Not far off
you see one painted in rectangles.
Some of the dwelling houses must have cost immense
sums. The room in which I. now write has its walls
rudely but not unhandsomely painted to the height
of five feet from the rough brick floor. If you can
make anything of this attempt, ' it is more than I can.
The ceiling is formed of two arches intersecting each
other, an ellipse, a circular one, with a wreath of the
annexed figure running up and over the two arches.
Though ashamed of my previous attempts, I must go
one step farther in letting you know something more of
my room, which is about fourteen by eighteen feet. This
' A sketch was enclosed in letter.
178 An Artillery Officer
table is also my mess table and my washstand. I have
not much furniture to boast of; for washing I have
an old tin basin, and an earthen bowl, the latter about
eighteen inches across, an old brass candlestick (from
home) with an enormous candle in it eighteen inches
high, and an inch in diameter, a Mexican knapsack
and a haversack, a canteen, Grandfather's tickler, which
I have had covered with canvas to keep it from
being broken; a pail, tumbler, and piece of Mexican
matting complete my sum total of furniture, etc.
We find the marketing abundant and reasonable;
of fruits there are fine watermelons, muskmelons of
various kinds, apples (small), pears (not very good),
apricots, plums (indifferent), oranges, lemons, limes,
bananas (excellent, eight for six and a quarter cents),
Mamaias (not certain about that spelling), and others
I have forgotten. Of vegetables, tomatoes, onions,
cabbage, lettuce, radishes, parsnips, potatoes — Irish
and sweet (both large), parsley, com, and peas, etc.,
beans of any number. Chickens, turkeys, and eggs are
also abundant. As I think I have written enough of
nonsense for one day, I wiU now close for to-night.
19th. Everything is as quiet about the City as
if we were at home. It will not do to allow our men
to walk about the streets singly or unarmed. The
General's orders are very positive and correct; no
soldiers are permitted to go out of their garrison
yards in less numbers than six and under the charge
of a non-commissioned officer, all to have their arms.
One fourth of our men are constantly under arms.
The Genl. is reported to have been very courteous in
permitting about eighty of Santa Anna's Cavalry to
enter the City yesterday.
In Mexico 179
Nothing would delight me more, save ending the
war and restoring me to my family, than to see this
war civilized, to witness interchange of civilities be-
tween the forces whenever they are not engaged in
battle. At Cerro Gordo it was delightful to see our
officers and men giving food and drink to the wounded,
and doing all in their power to smooth the hard pillow
of the dying. I noticed many of such acts which test
both the valor and kind-heartedness of our Army.
The Mexican officers seemed to have forgotten
that the field was strewn with their dying and dead,
and left all to us. In civilized warfare actions are
sometimes suspended to enable the contending armies
to take care of their woimded and to bury their dead.
The Mexican soldier is not regarded or taken care of
as ours are.
I have been out shopping a little to-day, getting
a few articles for the Compy. and for myself ; the prices
of hardware are enormously high — fifty cents apiece
for the Britannia forks and spoons, three dollars for an
old-fashioned coffee mill, and a dollar and a half for
a kitchen iron dipper, smallest-sized box of matches
three cents.
I may as well say something about the dress of the
common people ; the ladies have not become sufficiently
well accustomed to the presence of the barbarians to
shew themselves. The men wear jackets, pantaloons
of buckskin, blue cloth of any kind or of velvet, fitting
tight around the waist and open on the outer seam
from the hip bone down, ornamented with buttons,
or lace, embroidery, etc., the inside lined, and shewing
under them the full leg of what is, I suppose, another
pair of pants but not open at the seam ; this under-gar-
ment is invariably white. Over the shoulders, and
i8o An Artillery Officer
generally thrown over the left shoulder as a cloak,
they wear the universal blanket.
Their hats have very broad brims and almost
invariably ornaments at the side, a band or two of
silver lace where we wear the hat band, and sometimes
lace around the circumference of the brim. On horse-
back, their legs are protected by a large piece of skin
or leather, attached in front of the stirrup leather,
which covers the leg perfectly. The foot is doubly
protected, first by the huge wooden stirrup, secondly by
a thick flap of leather which is fastened to the upper
part of the stirrup.
The common women wear the chemise (I suppose)
and over it fastened around the waist some petti-
coats, the outer one either entirely of some fancy
colored material, or, at aU events, the lower part,
from the first swell of the hip downwards, will be found
colored. Over their heads, breasts, and shoulders,
you again see the blankets, or ribosa which is worn
by all who can afford it. These are placed on the
crown of the head (sometimes fastened to the hair
by a pin) crossed so as to meet about the chin, and the
ends sometimes thrown over the left shoulder, as the
blanket or cloak is worn by the men.
I saw a child carried by her mother, this morning,
in a manner I never saw before. The woman had a
basket fuU of some marketing, which was supported
by her blanket, tied so as to form a kind of bag, the
ends of the blanket tied together, and pressing on her
forehead; between the basket and her blanket bag
were seen divers kinds of vegetables, and under her
left arm, its head (back downwards) dangling about
the mother's hip, and one of its little feet seemingly
holding to her dress behind was carried her little
In Mexico i8i
Indian child. It was certainly a novel way of carrying
a child.
You see them frequently carried here as the Indians
do theirs in Florida, in blankets on the back. In fact
the common people here resemble our Indians so strongly
in their habits, it would be easy for them to assimilate
at once. Education would make them good citizens.
Ignorance keeps them serfs. Enough for to-day,
bonsoir.
]VIay 20th. I spent about an hour in the Cathedral,
hoping when I left home that I might, on my return,
be able to give you some description of the building
and of its decorations. But without drawings it were
perhaps better to say nothing, or, at all events, to speak
in very general terms. In this interior chapel I saw
no one, the other day during Mass, except the priests
and children who were engaged in chanting.
The outer sides of this chapel are filled with paint-
ings, some apparently very valuable; and it also has
two Httle altars. The effect is grand beyond descrip-
tion, though you see much gold, silver, and gUding,
still it is all in such grand style that you do not enter-
tain the least feeling, such as I mentioned I entertained
in seeing the Church ornaments at Nopolucan.
Every altar (except two) has around it pictures
of various sizes, some not very good, but many very
well executed. O how I wish that you cotdd walk
with me and enjoy the glorious beauty of this Cathedral.
I feel that it would help to make me a better man.
But behold, I am on my eighth page; I fear that if
I do not reduce my daily scale of writing, the express,
when he goes, will not carry my bulky epistle. I must
now close for to-day.
i82 An Artillery Officer
May 2 1 St. I have made a few corrections and addi-
tions to the sketch of the Cathedral, which I visited
to-day for the purpose of verifying my work of yester-
day. I shall add very little more, as I cannot describe
it in terms to make you see, or delight in, its grandeur.
The arches forming the ceiling spring from sixty-four
enormous stone pillars, arranged in groups of four,
some of which are designated by (*) in the drawings;'
along the side walls are seen corresponding sections,
presenting one whole pillar and the two halves, from
which spring the arches connecting with the walls.
In another part of this same pUe of buildings, we entered
to-day two chapels, each containing three altars, one
shewing the neatest and most beautiful rich altar-piece
I have seen. It looks like rich chased gold. Enough!
No news from Genl. Scott ; the rumor I heard yester-
day that he was at Tepeyahualco, has not been con-
firmed to-day. Yesterday, a very heavy seizure of
tobacco was made ; it is worth several thousand dollars.
Here, the Govt, monopolizes the tobacco trade. The
rainy season seems to have commenced here, as we
have rain every afternoon or night. I do hope that
Genl. Twiggs's Division is provided with tents; if the
men are not inside some kind of shelter at night,
they must suffer very much.
Saturday, May 22nd. No maU, no rumor that a
mail is on its way to us — nothing from Genl. Scott
— in fact, we are without news from any part of the
world. Even from Mexico, the Capital of this Republic,
we hear nothing. So long as I could hear from you with
the least degree of regularity, my mind was quieted
from mail to mail, in hopes that the next mail would
' Sketches were enclosed in the letter.
In Mexico 183
give me good news of you, but now, when I look
forward to a long summer in which I may hear from
you very seldom if at all, it requires more philosophy
than is now at my command to bear it.
I will yet hope that Genl. Scott will, when he arrives,
devise some secure means for ensuring the regular and
safe carriage of our letters. Thus far I have been much
disappointed in not having received at least one mail
since omx arrival.
The DUigence came in to-day from Vera Cruz;
it was robbed by some of the rancheros, or in other
words, by some of the old estabhshed robbers, who
now design legalizing their rascality by claiming
to belong to the Mexican Guerrillas. The report
that Genl. Scott was at Tepeyahualco two days ago,
is contradicted by the passengers of the Diligence,
who say that he was at Jalapa when they passed through.
No one knows who tells the lie, rumor No. i or No. 2.
Cannon and musketry firing were said by Lt. Judd
to have been distinctly heard this morning. To-
morrow I presume that, if such is the fact, I shall
let you know its cause. Out Dictionary hunting to-
day; fotmd a pocket edition of Nugent, old and much
worn, for which the sum of five dollars was modestly
asked. I need not say that the book was left on the
table whence it was taken to be handed to me.
I finished to-day reading the Prairie Bird. I do
not know whether you read it. Whether it was
because it was the only book in our language which
I could get, or that the work has intrinsic merit, I
know not, but I was very much interested in it. Those
who know anything of the locahties described, might
criticise the pigeon-like flight of his characters from
one part of the country to another, but his characters
i84 An Artillery Officer
of War Eagle, Winnegund, Ethelston, and Prairie
Bird are certainly well drawn. He has, too, interwoven
in a tale of fiction much true knowledge of Indian
character, and many anecdotes illustrative of their
habits, etc.
Dr. Holden and I think of taking lessons in Spanish
if we can find a good and reasonable instructor. I
find that I can ask for many things, but I could not
attempt to ask or answer questions in conversation.
Our little friend, Capt. Brooks, is very useful in in-
terpreting, as he reads and speaks the Spanish language
very well.
I must now lay this sheet by till to-morrow when
I may have to thank you for another letter. God grant
that it may be so. To His care and protection do my
prayers ever consign you. Good-day.
Sunday, May 23rd. I fear that in my anxiety to
give you multum in parvo, I may render my letter so
nearly illegible as to destroy my object. Really,
sometimes when I think of oiu- position, so far into
the Ulterior of the enemy's country, and with so small
a force, though I have not the least apprehension
about our being able to keep our ground, still I cannot
see how our communications can be kept up with our
seaports. Would that Genl. Scott were here, he
would soon solve all my difficulties.
We attended, by invitation. High Mass this morning
in the Cathedral. The ceremonies were more showy
then I ever saw in the United States, as the number
of priests and attendants was larger than our Catholic
communities could get together, and their dresses were
also much more costly than we see in the United
States. The three officiating priests wore the richest
In Mexico 185
garment (I know not its name) over their backs and
shoulders I ever saw; it looked like gold cloth. The
music was very fine, not so sweetly pleasant to the
ear as the vespers, as we heard them svmg in St. Peter's
Church in New York. You remember the time.
To-day during a part of the Mass, the voices were
accompanied by orchestral music, some violins, a
bass viol, and two or three wind instruments. This
gave us deUghtful music. Not a female voice was
in the choir — a great defect, as the voices of the boys
have not the sweetness of those of females. Next
Sunday, being Trinity, I presume that we shall be
again invited. Nothing new, no word from General
Scott. Good-night, God bless you.
Monday, 24th. Some of the qtoick-eared report
musketry and firing having been heard again this
morning, but no one believes it. Genl. Worth re-
ceived a dispatch from Genl. Scott yesterday, in which
he stated that he would leave Jalapa on the 23rd
(yesterday). He may be expected here in about
six days.
We have this morning a rumor that Genl. Bustamante
is raising an army of 13,000 men in the City of Mexico,
and that another Genl. is to join him with 9,000 men
from the tierras calientes, the coxintry beyond the
mountains. Others say that old Genl. Bravo is
marching down with an Army of 50,000 men. We do
not believe any of these reports and feel confident of
beating any Army Mexico can bring against us.
One thing I observe to-day which gives me great
pleasure, viz., the ladies are making their appearance
in the streets. This shows that confidence is being
established. For the first four or five days after our
1 86 An Artillery Officer
arrival, not a lady was seen in the streets, private
carriages were not seen, but few females shewed them-
selves at the windows. To-day we see very genteel
equipages and ladies and gentlemen taking drives.
I hope that in a short time the Pueblans will find that
we are not as barbarous as we have been represented,
and learn to regard us as good friends.
No one can tell us where Genl. Santa Anna is. I
have been reading Thompson 's Recollections of Mexico,
in which he gives many instances of Santa Anna's
generosity and other good qualities. I expect from
the tenor of some severe articles recently published
against him, that he will soon be again compelled to
leave his country, for whose Independence he has
fought in many an action.
I find that I am forgetting that I ought to restrict
myself in my writing as I am running off into dis-
sertations which had better be contracted or
omitted. When I take up my pen to write to you,
I instinctively write every thought as it enters my
mind. This you see by my erratic style. But of this
you are ever weU assured, that you always fiU the
heart and soul of yoiu: own devoted husband.
Tuesday, 25th. No letters. No Genl. Scott. 111-
tongued rumor even goes so far as to say that when
the Genl. arrives, no mail will be brought, as no mail
has been received at Vera Cruz for one month. I will
not believe the story — it cannot be true.
I had written thus far, when Maj. Wade, Dr.
Holden, Lts. Judd and Austine came in ; they have just
left, giving me a late bed hour. I have nothing new
to communicate. The reports about Bustamante's
raising an Army in Mexico is contradicted to-day; it
In Mexico 187
is now reported that Santa Anna was enthusiastically
received in Mexico, that he is to be the next President,
that he is organizing an Army and preparing the City
for defence. I do not believe this tale — it is too im-
probable. The Genl. who lost the battle of Cerro
Gordo cannot be received with enthusiasm in the
Capital.
I must not close my letter without telling you of
our visit to one of the Churches this morning where
the raihng and enclosure of the main Altar was orna-
mented with flowers and evergreens in pots ; the effect
was very pretty. The idea struck me as an original
and very charming one. The padre of that Church
must be a good man. That God may keep my wife
under His especial care is my prayer .
May 26th. I have just returned from a walk with
the Doctor, and was informed that an Express was to
leave in the morning. As Col. Belton has sent his
letters off (without asking for our letters), I know
not but I may be foiled in my attempt at getting
this into the mail. But I will leave no proper means
for doing so untried.
Among the other curious sights here, I see the tails
o mules put up in leather bags or pockets. The
harness is made with these pockets to keep their
tails from interfering with the driver's lines, of which
there are none, as the driver rides on one of each pair
of mules.
No. 13. PUEBLA.
May 28, 1847.
No. 12 was, I find, taken yesterday morning by a
Mexican gentleman who has started for Vera Cruz.
i88 An Artillery Officer
He has my warmest thanks for his offer to take letters,
and if, by his agency, you succeed in getting mine,
I shall be under everlasting obligations to at least one
of these will he enemies. I was prevented from writing
last evening, by a visit, from an early till a late hour,
of nearly all the officers of our little garrison.
Lt. Johnson was, I thought, last week about relapsing
into the state in which he was represented to have
been at St. Augustine — so nervous that he could at-
tend to no duty. But something fortunately occurred,
which roused him from his lethargy, in which I hope
he will not again indulge.
In speaking of the City, no mention has, I believe,
been made of the Alameda. This is a large lot ar-
ranged for the afternoon walks and drives of the
citizens of Puebla. A double row of trees, mostly
willows, shades the principal drive around its four
sides; from this, several walks lead to fountains in the
interior; some of these have " jets-d'eau, " in others the
water merely bubbles, or wells up.
All these walks and fountains are shaded by trees,
among which I saw a tree resembling very closely
my horror, the Lombardy poplar, but I was told it
was a species of willow. Hedges of roses, sweet peas,
marguerites (with here and there a dahlia) and pinks,
surrotmd and intersect this beautiful spot. Of roses
I never before saw such a profusion.
All the flowers are the same we have in our gardens ;
not an uncommon one did I see. Looking at the
flowers and trees, we might, had it not been for the
operations of jond memory, have imagined ourselves
in our own beloved land. But the delusion would
have soon been dispelled by the constant presence
at the fountains of some of the water-carriers. The
Z o
In Mexico 189
earthen jars here used are, I suspect, the exact
pattern of those used by the Israelites. Though
not famous for sketching, let 's try. ' Each carrier
has two of these jars, holding, I think, ten gallons;
one is carried in front, the strap crossing the man's
neck, and the other behind, the strap over the upper
part of the forehead.
Major Wade saw one of these carriers, who had just
filled his jars and started from the fountain in front
of our quarters, and was so unfortunate as to have
both of them fall, and of course break to pieces.
The poor fellow stood muttering something and crossed
himself repeatedly, gazing at his loss. This is mentioned
as an instance of their adherence to the forms of their
religion.
I have frequently been in sight of the public Plaza,
where the market is held, at the hour of the officiating
priest's elevating the Host in the Cathedral. It is
annotmced by the striking of a particular bell; at
this sound, every Mexican throws himself on his knees
and there remains till another signal gives notice
that the ceremony is over, when they immediately
resume their business. I have seen the market-place
filled with buyers and sellers, all on their knees, and
the Mexicans in the streets near by leading to the
square, also kneeling.
In other parts of the City, at the sound of this bell
all uncover. This last they invariably do whenever
they pass the door of a church (and they are very
numerous) or a priest. The respect they pay to their
religion is wonderful, and to me a very pleasing sight.
Genl. Scott has arrived; he came in this morning,
with an Escort of Cavalry and Mounted Rifles. I
' A sketch was enclosed in letter.
190 An Artillery Officer
have not seen him, but shall call on him to-morrow.
Lt. Judd states that he heard we were to advance,
leaving a force here of two thousand men. I have
most tmlimited confidence in the judgment and dis-
cretion of the Genl. and will blindly pin my faith to
any of his decisions. You know that in my journaliz-
ing, I give you sometimes daily rumors which are
subsequently corrected by others which I give; this
may be the case with the above rumor.
Thus far had I written when my room was filled
with officers who have just left me. It is now good
bed time, and, as I have already given you a long letter
for one day's writing, I will now bid you good-night.
Saturday night, 29th. I called to see Genl. Scott
this morning and was delighted to learn that a mail
was coming up with Genl. Twiggs ; he has arrived with
his Division, but we have not been informed when
or where the mail will be opened. The Genl. does not
look very well; he is, I presume, merely suffering
from the fatigue of a rapid march.
Most of my Army friends have arrived with him.
My friend, Capt. Irwin, is, I am delighted to see, looking
better than when we parted at Vera Cruz. Capt.
Wayne mentioned that he had a letter from Mrs.
W. dated the 24th April. I hope that my good news
from you will be of as late a date.
I am sorry to hear that there is every probability
that my first letter from this place has been taken, as
General Scott has never received Genl. Worth's report
of our entering this place, forwarded by the same
express. I am now writing in the fond, and, I fear,
foolish hope, that I may ere long have a safe opportun-
ity for sending this letter. During this long, long
In Mexico 191
summer I fear that we shall scarcely hear from each
other. What would I not give, if the two Nations
would like sensible people agree at once upon some
honorable terms of peace.
We have, by the General's Staff, been favored with
papers from the United States, announcing the reception
of the news of the battle of Cerro Gordo. I have not
read any of the accounts, but have no doubt they,
as is generally the case, deviate widely from the truth.
I hope that Capt. R. Lee, U. S. Engineers, will write
a Military Memoir on that battle, accompanying it
with correct topographical maps, indicating the posi-
tion of the batteries, and showing the varied positions
of the troops during the battle. The accurate
description of that battle would place the science
of otu- Army distinctly and most creditably before
European Military readers.
Capt. Swift's death, though not unexpected, has
fiUed the hearts of his friends, and all who knew him
were such, with feelings of grief. He was an excellent
man, and a most valuable officer. You saw him at
West Point. Capt. Mason, of the Rifles, who lost
a leg at Cerro Gordo, has, I am sorry to say, died from
his wound. He was a favorite also with his acquaint-
ances. Our friend Lt. Col. Bragg rises rapidly in the
Military world. Genl. Taylor's encomium on him, in
his report of his last battle, is good for another brevet;
this will place our young Capt. among the Brevet
Lt. Colonels. Enough for to-night.
Sunday night, 30th May. I had just closed my
eyes last night, when I was roused by a tap at the door,
and was told that there was a letter for me. My
heart told me that it was from you. It was yours of
192 An Artillery Officer
the 20th. Its reception has relieved my mind of a
heavy weight, as it tells me that your heart is at rest
in relation to Vera Cruz. About Cerro Gordo you
cannot have been kept long in suspense.
But, my wife, you are stark mad and crazy about my
name's not being mentioned, or my not having been
brevetted. A Capt. of the line of the Army has the
least possible chance of being mentioned among the
distinguished, however distinguished his conduct may
be.
The reason why, is a very simple one. As he is
part of a Command, whether Regt. or Battalion,
whatever is done by the Regt. or Battalion, is placed
to the credit of its commander. It is only by a cap-
tain's being detached with his Compy. on some special
service that he has a chance to distinguish himself.
Hence the advantage of an ofificer's commanding a
Battery, etc. Dispel this idea from your mind, and
regard me as returning plain Capt. Anderson, however
well and zealously I may perform my duties.
If I should be brevetted, it will be luck. Genl.
Scott, though my best friend, cannot designate me,
unless I am reported to him — the iU-will or ill-temper
of the Regtl. Commander might not, even under a
highly favorable case, give him an opportunity of
so doing. Let this not worry you. I hope that as
long as I remain in service, I shall continue so to act
as to command the favorable opinion of all those
with whom I serve; as to gaining brevets, that is a
lottery in which there are many blanks to the prize;
though all the candidates pay the same price — most
gallant deeds — but few are lucky enough to draw the
prize.
I dined with Genl. S. to-day, and am sorry to say
In Mexico 193
that he was compelled to take quinine. I had hoped
that he wotdd recover without more medicine, though
I knew by my own case how long a time it required
for me to recover from my Perote chill. The Genl.
has been as kind and affectionate as ever to me, and
begs me to caU whenever I can. But knowing how
Httle time he has to spare to friendly intercourse,
I cannot intrude often on him. He made many kind
inquiries about the family. I hope Father has written
to him.
I was in the Cathedral at Mass this morning, Trinity
Sunday. The pillars through the body of the church
as well as those against the walls, were entirely covered
with rich damask velvet. The music was much more
deHghtful than it was last Sunday. It was sublime.
Genl. S. was there with his Staff. I regret that I did
not xanderstand the sermon, as I was pleased with
the manner and voice of the preacher. Enough for
to-night.
May 31st. Capt. De Hart took supper with us and
remained until after Tattoo, so that I shall write you
only a few lines to-night. Your letter advises that
henceforth I ought to direct my letters to Clarkesville ;
I fear that my having changed too soon my directions
to that place may have caused you much imeasiness.
My previous letters have given my reasons for my
having done so.
News of great (it may be) importance came last
night from Mexico, that Santa Anna, to heal the pohtical
and personal dissensions in the parties of Mexico, has
determined to sacrifice himself, and has declared that
he will not accept the Presidency. Who will be the
President seems to be very uncertain. Generals Bravo
194 An Artillery Officer
and Valencia have command of the Mexican Armies,
the one at the Capital, the other in San Luis.
Of Genl. Taylor's movements we know nothing.
Our placid Lt. Col. has been named by Genl. Worth
as his successor in the Milty. and Civil Governorship
of this City. A worse selection could not have been
made.
This looks a little like the 3rd's being intended as
part of the garrison of this Post. I shall exert all my
ingenuity to prevent my being left. I am exceedingly
desirous on many accounts to go as far into the Country
as any one. Nous verrons.
Friend Capt. Eoiowlton sent me a package of New
York papers; if I can find a safe opportunity I must
return him my thanks. My anxiety that you should
hear from me will cause me to embrace every oppor-
tunity of sending a letter whether it be considered
safe or not ; if any one reaches you it is a point gained.
Jime 1st. Nothing new to-day. In fact, as I am
Officer of the Day, I have not been outside of our
quarters. I have read Genl. Santa Anna's resignation
of the Presidency ; the latter part is as pretty a piece of
egotism as I have met with for a long time.
Yesterday the Municipal authorities of this City
retired from their offices. Genl. Worth has, in the
exercise of his authority as Governor, directed an elec-
tion to be held to fill their places and has ordered those
officials to return to their duties till their places are
filled. I have not been to see Genl. Scott since Simday,
but must caU to-morrow to enquire how he is.
My wife, you have either mistaken the purport
of one of the sentences in a letter from Vera Cruz, or
it states what I did not mean. I did not receive the
In Mexico 195
white flag whilst in the trenches; the parley (as we
believed it to be) was sounded and the firing suspended
for the bearer of the flag to approach, but as we had
no bugle to answer their call, we missed the opportunity
of receiving the flag, which without the enemy's
firing another shot, went to Genl. Scott early the next
morning, that is, the same morning we were relieved
in the trenches.
Col. Bankhead's report, giving only the names of
the officers who were in the trenches the first day, has,
I hear, been published; his excuse for not mentioning
all was, that he had forgotten the names of the others —
a pretty excuse to be stire, as it could have been so
easily rectified. He promised to make a fuller report
on reaching Washington when he would name all the
commanders of the batteries. Enough of Vera Cruz,
and enough, I must say, for to-night.
Tuesday, Jtme 2nd. As Major Wade was absent
from the garrison all the morning I could not go out
till late this afternoon. My first visit was to Maj.
Kirby, and whilst he was engaged in business, I went
into another room to see Capt. Myers. The Capt.
has, by a fall, I fear, injured himself so that he will walk
lame for the rest of his life; the knee-pan seems to be
detached from its proper position.
The Major and I sallied out sight-seeing and we
saw what were great curiosities to me, viz., figures of
Mexican Indians made of prepared linen; the cotante-
nances were very expressive. One was a group of three
figures — a drunken man, his neck too limber to support
his head ; next is his mother perfectly enraged at him,
and intent upon administering chastisement on her
foolishly good-humored son, which she is prevented
196 An Artillery Officer
from doing by her daughter-in-law who holds her
arm.
A second group is an Alcalde, administering a lecture
to a man whose wife is in tears on the other side of
the Alcalde, who is seated between the other figures
who are standing. Should we ever have peace I must
bring you some of the curiosities of these singular
people — ^many of them I shall have to abandon an
attempt to carry, from the difficulty of packing them
safely for so long a journey.
Col. Pierce Butler informed me this afternoon that
one of his Captains was about returning home, and
that if I would send any letters to his quarters he would
with pleasure give them in charge of his Captain.
I thanked him from the bottom of my heart and will
hand this letter to him.
Thus far no means have been devised to secure
the safe transmission of our letters, and we catch
eagerly at any opportunity which seems to offer a
chance delivery of them. We may get another mail
by some nine htmdred recruits who are expected from
the United States via Vera Cruz, but with that excep-
tion, we see no prospect of any other, till the President
sends us an addition to our small but invincible band.
Had we 30,000 men and Genl. Taylor 20,000, the War
might soon be closed. Our Govt, should remember
and act vigorously upon the advice given by Father'
to it before the breaking out of the Florida War. I
must leave a little clear space for to-morrow.
Genl. Scott's Office, June 3rd. Being on guard at
the General's Hd. Qrs., I must close my letter to-night
for the mail which leaves to-morrow, without being
'Genl. Clinch.
In Mexico 197
able to add as much to it as I had designed. As Capt.
Huger and some others are waiting to avail them-
selves of the candle-light which I am using, courtesy
and fellow-feeling prompt me to close at as short a time
as possible.
I have no other news to give. Col. B. has left
our quarters, much to oiur satisfaction, and taken
up his abode in a comer of the Palace. Col. Butler
has again urged me to confide my letter to his "Cap-
tain," who hopes to raise a party at Jalapa sufficiently
large to march with safety to Vera Cruz. We shall
have in a few days an addition of 2000 men to our
present command in addition to those you see mentioned
as coming from the United States.
No. 14. PUEBLA.
June 4th. Friday night.
Although very tired and sleepy from my necessary
wakefulness last night, I cannot retire without having
a Httle chat with you. All were disappointed in not
witnessing yesterday the great ceremonies usually per-
formed in Catholic communities on that, Corpus Christi,
day. Fearful that they might be insulted by our
soldiery, they limited themselves in the observance
of their ceremonies to the walls of their churches.
Many years have passed since I saw these ceremonies,
and I regret very much, from my recollection of what
I then witnessed in Bogota, South America that the
grand procession was not made in all its splendor through
the streets here. The streets through which the pro-
cession passed were hung with the richest cloths and
satins. Everybody, priests and laity, was dressed as
splendidly as their own, or the means of their friends
would enable them. The consecrated wafer, the Host,
198 An Artillery Officer
was carried from church to church and then returned
to the Cathedral.
Yesterday, I was told that the ceremonies in the
Cathedral where the Host was taken round, were not
remarkably imposing. I heard this morning, that
had the assurances made to the Clergy night before
last, that they would neither be insulted nor molested
in any way by our men, been given the night before,
the procession would have taken place, but after the
notices there was not time for the necessary prepara-
tions.
The rumor of to-day is that the Mexican Congress
have declined accepting Santa Anna's resignation.
They are determined to thrust the Presidency upon him.
One thing looks unpromising for the Mexican Nation
in this, that it seems they look to him and him alone,
it may be said, for their salvation from our power.
From the reputation Santa Anna piu-chased by his
bravery, zeal, and skill in their internal broils, the Mexi-
cans ought to regard him as one of their greatest men.
In his controversies with the Texans and his battles
with us, the splendor of his star has been somewhat
tarnished. He may now make desperate efforts to
regain his lost brilliancy. Nous verrons. He has a
very prudent, brave, and skilful adversary to cope
with. Enough for to-night.
Saturday night, June 5th. Rumor says that Santa
Anna insists upon his resignation being accepted, and
that he has asked for his passports to enable him to leave
the country. As I have a long report to make to-night
to present to Genl. Worth in the morning, in relation
to the case of a Mexican sabred by a soldier, I must be
very brief. I am on duty to-day, as Division Officer
In Mexico 199
of the Day, having been thus honored in consequence
of my being placed on duty, as Acting Major of the
Regt. ! ! ! A great honor, Acting Major to three
companies. To-morrow I will make amends for this
brevity.
Sunday night, June 6th. As soon as I heard of the
arrival of the mail this afternoon, I hastened to the
Quartermaster's office and was there presented with
a letter from the Pennsylvanian who was with me at
Vera Cruz. You may judge of my disappointment!
My friend. Dr. Cuyler, has just sent me a most
welcome contribution — ^your letter of the 26th April.
To-night I can do no more than thank you for it.
Monday night, June 7th. Let me now give answers
to certain queries in your last letter. Our arrange-
ment in Genl. Worth's Divison is permanent, and
would only be altered by a re-organization of the
Command, or by our being left in garrison. You need
not send your letters under cover to Col. Hunt — if
directed to me as "belonging to the Army" under
Genl. Scott in Mexico they will come safely. Our
friend Lt. Brown is here with Capt. Wells' Co., the
one formerly commanded by Lt. Steptoe. He left me
a few minutes since; his manner is always kind and
affectionate. He always enquires about you.
Two officers are now attached temporarily to "G"
Co., Lt. Andrews and Lt. Shields; the former performs
the duties of Asst. Q. M. and Asst. Commissary of Sub-
sistence, the latter, who attends to Compy. duty,
has applied to be permanently attached to the Compy,
Our cousin, Lt. A., speaks in very high terms of Lt. S.
and says that he is a gentleman. Lt. A.'s wife is with
200 An Artillery Officer
her father's family on Governor's Island; they have no
child, having been unfortunate.
I am rejoiced that your dear grandmother is well
again after her dangerous attack. Of our friend Lt.
Sherman we have not heard, except through the news-
paper which announces his arrival in California.
Tuesday 8th. I hear that when the Regts., etc., now
under orders for our Army reach us, oiu: force will
amount to twenty thousand men. Had it been half
that on our arrival here, we might have been long
since in the City of Mexico, and that without having
to shed another drop of blood. Report says that Genl.
Bravo is now raising an army of 35,000 men, and
that the Mexicans are fortifying some points on the
road. We have had so many Mexican stories about
their positions, strength, etc., that I pay no attention
to any that I hear.
Yesterday the Brigade was inspected by the In-
spector General, Col. Hitchcock, and made a very
respectable display for troops in the field. Genl.
Worth speaks of commencing Division drills next
week. With his energy and thorough knowledge,
we will soon bear the palm from all competitors.
Genl. Twiggs, not understanding evolutions of the
Line himself, cannot instruct others. I may do him
an injustice; my remark is based upon what I have
heard. I never saw him drilling.
I suppose it certain that we will not leave this place
till our reinforcements arrive. We are now strong
enough to whip any army the Mexicans can raise.
You remember Lt. Johnson. He had not, before the
arrival of the last mail, received a line from his wife
since he left her, and that mail brought him information
In Mexico 201
of the loss of his little boy. As he is a Christian, he
bears it well. Feeling confident that his child is now
a happy angel in the presence of God, he grieves not
for it. He says that preceding letters, giving an ac-
count of the illness, etc., must have been miscarried, as
his wife writes of it as an event some time past. He
says that her letter is what it ought to be — that she
is very pious, and sets him a good example. We all
sympathize very sincerely with him.
A letter from Tampico informs us that Mrs. Gates
has presented the Col. with a little Mexican daughter.
It has raised him a couple of inches higher. Capt.
Burke is under orders for our Army; he ought to be
at Vera Cruz now, as his orders are dated April 27th.
Think of the Capt. as Commander of the 3rd !
Among the oddities of the Mexicans, I have not
mentioned that small pieces of soap are current coin,
instead of the smallest copper coin, clico, worth half a
cent. In market I frequently see the soap given as
change.
Wednesday, 9th. A little fatigued from a day's hard
work. I was congratulating myself about 9 o'clock
this morning that I would have a quiet day in which
I could write a few letters to Larz and to two or three
others to whom letters are due, when my designs
were suddenly crushed by an order to march the Regt.
to the exercise grotind and there to drill at battalion
drill till Col Garland's arrival. Major Wade was
absent on Court- Martial, so that I had to play Colonel.
I had been drilling but a few minutes when Genl.
Worth and the Inspector Genl. Hitchcock showed
themselves among the spectators. The remaining
Regiments of the Brigade soon came on the ground,
202 An Artillery Officer
and we took our positions in Line. Col. Garland now
took command and kept us on the field until half past
one o'clock — a pretty good day's work.
On Saturday the Division will be reviewed, man-
oeuvred by Genl. Worth. We are already cautioned
to take our canteens filled with water and lunch in the
haversacks; we shaU have no child's play then. Of
news we have not heard a word to-day. To-morrow
we may, probably, hear from Genl. Child's Command
mentioned in my last letter.
Mr. N. P. Trist, the special and most Extraordinary
Minister of President Polk, is in the city. I have not
heard him mentioned. Everybody thinks he is here
on a fool's errand, and that he had better go home as
soon as possible.
By the way, I was very much astonished at meeting
our Tampa Bay Sutler in the streets here a day or
two since. He left his wife at Tampa, and has come
out to see if he can collect some money due him by
some of the 8th Infy. Companies. I asked him
if he had sold the articles left by me with him. He
said that he sold nearly everything at excellent prices,
and that he had directed Mr. Ferris to sell the remainder
at auction on some coturt day, and to remit you the
amount.
Poor Mr. Clark has, I fear, come on a wild goose
chase, as no one knows when the men will be paid off.
The Captains of Companies are generally anxious that
the men should not be paid whilst in a large city, as
drunkenness and broils will take place, and we shall
have Mexican soldiers murdered.
What do you think of an American Theatrical
Company opening in the City of Puebla!! I saw to-
day a notice that the Theatre would be opened in a
In Mexico 203
day or two by Messrs. Wells and Hart. Enough for
to-night.
June loth. I have been here so long that I feel
that I have seen enough of the people to describe some
of their pecxiliarities. They exhibit a greater fondness
for children than any people I ever saw. I do not
think you can point out any article used by grown
persons of which I can not shew you its miniature
among the playthings. Of dolls — wax, wood, and
rag — there are thousands, from the very smallest
to oxir common sizes. The Indians bring in the
rudest and most ludicrous representations of animals
you can conceive of. Of saint and of soldier you may
purchase a collection not very flattering to the vanity
of either.
In preserves (this word does not embrace the in-
finite variety of articles prepared with sugar we find
here), the Spanish people, I presume, excel aU other
people. The common sponge-cate sold in the streets
is generally excellent; then you find figs, dates, and
various kinds of rinds, exceedingly well preserved;
again you find other sweetmeats, of which milk is a
component part. Their candied fruit is very good.
I hope that on our return I may find transportation
for a box or two of these articles for you.
The toys and dukes are exhibited for sale under the
arcades of the large houses separated by streets from
the Plaza where the market is held. The market is
to strangers a great curiosity, being held in a large
open square. On examining closely you will find that
in the seeming disorder and confusion there is much
method.
Along the outer side of the square, and indeed out-
204 An Artillery Officer
side of the square, and encroaching on the sidewalks,
you find Mexican crockery, plates, dishes, cups, bowls,
water jars, baskets (willow) of sizes from large, three
and a half feet in diameter, flat ones, to those three
inches in diameter, and matting from coarse to quite
pretty.
The first row inside is com, spread out in large
piles on matting; next to this you find onions, large
and white as snow, tomatoes, generally of the wild
kind, green and about an inch in diameter, and some
coarse kind of greens, parsley, etc.
Next are some women who have their charcoal
furnaces at work cooking and selling various Mexican
stews, etc.; here you may buy from this girl, who
removes a dirty cloth from the top of the basket near
her, tortillas made of com soaked in lime mashed
by a roller on a large flat stone prepared for that pur-
pose, and then baked. She is too dirty, or at all
events the cloth which keeps her tortiUas hot is too
dirty — ^let us pass on.
On the next row among the onions, cabbages,
tomatoes, large and small (I have not seen any of the
beautiful golden tomatoes here), radishes (very large,
and good), turnips, squashes, peas, carrots, you may
perchance see some of yotu* old acquaintances, but so
disguised that you will scarce recognize them; those
shining sleek objects are sweet potatoes, boiled and
sweetened by some sugaring process, and those crooked,
mammoth pods, six and eight inches long, are said
to be ochre. I have not seen an uncooked one in market.
In the next row, you find fruits, baskets of pears,
mostly green, indifferent peaches, apples and cherries,
Mamaias in abundance, small apricots, sapotes both
green and blue (neither good for anything), alligator
In Mexico 205
pear, and, for a rarity, here is a woman who has some
mushrooms.
Under that awning, you find oranges, limes, musk-
melons, watermelons (six cents a slice), goat's cheese,
eggs, chocolate makers, coarse wooden spoons, etc.,
and pears and apricots which you can buy cheaper
from the market women farther back.
Passing a little higher up in this row, and around
the fountain in the centre of the square, you find cook-
ing utensils, earthen and iron, and near by, the chickens,
turkeys, and pigeons. Those piles of white chalky-
looking substance are lime, used in cooking, etc. On
Thirrsday, the great market day, you find piles of beans
of all colors and sizes. Flowers are also seen frequently
in Market — pinks appear to be favorites. I have
omitted bananas and plantains, cocoanuts and pine-
apples. The cocoanut is very fine, but I think the
plantain the best fruit I have seen. I have also omitted
the fruit of the cactus, two kinds, green and purple.
Peppers abound always. These are in little piles
on matting — the women sitting by them in a way
pecuHarly Mexican, on their legs doubled under them ;
all sit in that way.
Friday, nth. I am trvily thankful that there is a
prospect of our having another mail. Genl. T., I hear,
received information from Genl. Childs to-day, that
Genl. Cadwalader was on his way from Vera Cruz,
and that he would come up with him. Genl. Cad-
walader must certainly bring a mail, and that mail
must certainly bring a letter from you. When this
poor scrawl is to start on it's way to you I cannot say.
As yet, I see not the glimmer of a chance.
Genl. Santa Anna, finding that the Mexican Congress
2o6 An Artillery Officer
kept his resignation under consideration four days,
and that they did not promptly urge him to remain in
power, on the end of this month withdraws his resig-
nation. The plea he gives is twofold; first, that the
American Army may be expected to advance on the
Capital at any moment, and that it would endanger
the Country for us to do so, whilst the Congress is either
organizing a new Govt, or before the new President has
had time to make necessary arrangements for defence;
secondly, that he has received from all sides the most
urgent entreaties to remain in power, etc., etc. The
dociiment, his resignation, and the reports of his con-
duct at Cerro Gordo and Amozoc have done him no good.
They have lowered him very much in my estimation.
To-morrow is to be Genl. Worth's big day. He is to
inspect, review, and drill our Division. I saw him
this afternoon, and told him that I had heard of better
grotmd — ^he said that it was better, but not so public.
So he flatters himself that we will make a good show.
I hope that he may not be disappointed. I will write
the result. As we have to rise very early to-morrow
to prepare, I must retire to bed early, and wiU now
take my leave for the night.
Satvu-day evening, 1 2th . Our field day, as the English
call it, is passed. The Division made very pretty
display, whUe halted. But I cannot say much that
is favorable for their marching — but allowance must
be made; how can it be otherwise, with troops who
have never been properly instructed. Muskets placed
in their hands as soon as they join the Compy., and
probably placed on guard the next week, these men at
once fancy that they are soldiers, and that they know
everything about their duties. Such a course woxtld
In Mexico 207
ruin any recruits. The crowd of spectators was very-
large, embracing, I was glad to hear, some of the best
families of the City; among them was the Lt. Gov. of
this State. Genl. Worth did not inspect and he kept
us out but a short time. This was in consequence of
his not feeling well enough to take the Division through
many manoeuvres.
I see by some of the papers received by the last mail,
that Duncan's ' Regt. is not among those ordered to
join Genl. Scott's Army. Duncan will therefore be
with your brave old Zach. Where he is, or what he
is doing, I know not. I presume that they are much
better informed upon these points in the Cities of Mexico
and Washington, than we are here.
I have not, I think, told you of the fate of my letter
No. II. It was given to a Mexican who has been at-
tached to Genl. Worth for several months; this man
returned last week very much emaciated, the Genl.
says, and reports that he was taken prisoner, carried
to some place off the main road, and that he secreted
the mail where no one could get it. He was thought-
ful enough to return to the Genl. a letter he had written
to Mrs. W. Now, how my trusty Mexican could
abstract that letter from the others without his being
seen, I cannot conceive, unless he was very badly
guarded, in which case he might have escaped sooner.
At all events No. ii is destined to remain in Mexico.
I do not remember any incidents of much interest
contained in that letter, but the foolish Donquixotish
march of Santa Anna to the neighborhood of Amozoc
the day we lay there (15th May) and his retreat back
again. With the usual mendacity of his reports,
he says that he bantered us to fight in the open field
' Mrs. Anderson's brother.
208 An Artillery Officer
which we declined. What fools he must take Mexicans
to be — they know that he had a large body of Cavalry,
and as we had only two squadrons, if he had desired
an engagement, he must have attacked our Infantry.
He took precious good care to keep out of the way of
our Infy. and his Cavalry rapidly dispersed on receiving
a few shells in their midst from Col. Duncan's Battery.
The less his biographers say of "Amozoc" the better
for his Milty. reputation. His coining down was a
silly and unmilitary proceeding.
Another statement he makes is also false — that a
train of two hundred wagons was coming towards
Amozoc with a very light escort, and that it was his
intention to cut it off, but the train, instead of marching
at the usual hour, broke up its last camp very early
in the night, and thus got into a secure position before
he reached them. No train of wagons came up but
the one accompanying Genl. Quitman's Brigade, which
was amply strong to have whipped the General's
Cavalry. But enough of correction — I am not engaged
in writing a history of the War, but merely make these
corrections, to let you see how untrue will be the Mexi-
can Official documents on this War.
I hope that our historians will give us the truth,
even were it to make us feel a little sore — but thus far,
we have nothing to fear. Our course has been plain —
very few acts have been committed, even by the Vol-
unteers, which have required and received chastisement.
But I am devoting too much space to my evening's
speculations and must now bid you good-night.
Sunday, 13th.
My kind friend Major Wade, having nothing to do,
has been polite enough to devote all the evening to me,
In Mexico 209
and leaves me now at an hour so late that I am de-
prived of the pleasure of a long chat with you to-night.
I have not been in the City to-day, and have, besides
attending to my proper duties, written letters ; one to
Larz partly on business, one to Mr. Austen, another to a
Mr. Oliphant, both of Uniontown, Pa. Mr. A.'s
letter to me was full of thanks for my "kind attentions"
to him at Vera Cruz, and tirging me to pay him a visit
with my family. Mr. OHphant wrote to ask me whether
Mr. A. had been with me at the siege, and in what
capacity he served.
The news is to-day that a party of 3000 horsemen have
gone on the road towards Vera Cruz for the purpose
of procuring subsistence and also to intercept the
train of wagons, sent from this place a week since.
They wiU catch a tartar.
The Mexican papers publish a letter from Mrs.
Col. Childs to her husband which contains some
political remarks which her husband would rather not
see in print. She speaks of President Polk and says
that his cotrrse is driving many of his old friends to
the support of Genl. Taylor. This letter was taken
from the saddle-bags of a Col. who was
coming on as a bearer of despatches, and who rode with
the advance guard, instead of remaining with the main
body of his escort. I hope that he had none of your
letters. I shaU know in a few days. The Mexican
paper states that they have a large bundle of letters.
The vandals should send all private letters to the
Army — no civilized soldiery should violate the sanctity
of family correspondence. At Cerro Gordo I saw a
letter addressed to Genl. Santa Anna, the seal of which
had not been broken. Enough for to-night. May
God continue to protect and guard you.
14
210 An Artillery Officer
Monday, 14th.
My birthday. How can I better commence this
day's letter than by thanking our Heavenly Father
for all His mercies towards me and mine, and
praying Him that He may continue to guard
and protect us, and long before another year passes,
that it may please Him to unite us together. What
would I not give to have had you with me to-day!
This afternoon, I accidentally went to my old
friend's, Capt. Irwin, and there found another class-
mate, Capt. Huger, and a party. Some one mentioned
that it was my birthday, and my good friend, contrary
to my entreaties, brought out a bottle of good old
Madeira, to drink to my health. And as far as friend-
ship could go, aU was well and happy.
But what was this to me, when I thought of those
who were far, far away. This is peculiarly to me
a day for home thoughts and home feeUngs. Think
not, my wife, that those thoughts make me feel sad and
lonely. That it is in a measure so, is true; but still
it is not a sadness without a light of pleasure. Hope
tells me that we cannot be much longer separated, and
that then my joy will be so great that I will count as
nothing all the little discomforts, etc., during our separa-
tion. God grant that I may very soon be restored to
you. As I shall probably close this letter to-morrow,
that it may be ready for any mail that may go out,
and that I may commence another, I shall close for
to-night. No news from the Mexican Army to-day —
the fact is they can't keep up an Army.
Tuesday, 15th.
The report alluded to in my scribblings of the
14th has been contradicted, and then re-asserted.
In Mexico 211
To-day 't is said that Genl. Valencia has a rabble of
badly armed and undisciplined men in the City of
Mexico awaiting us, about 16,000 — that their boasted
fortifications along the route will be easily mastered.
My opinion about reports taken even to Hd. Qrs.
is that they are frequently carried by men out of em-
ployment, who hope by their pretended assiduity and
zeal to secure employment in some capacity with the
Army. Other reports are doubtless fabricated in
the Mexican Camp and sent out to produce an effect
on their countrymen, or to attempt to deceive us.
I therefore rarely think it necessary to report the rumors
of the day, and then hear, a day or two after I have
heard them, the latest news from Mexico, or from the
Mexican Army.
I am rejoiced that I can say that I now daily witness the
verification of my prediction about the change of feeling
which Genl. Scott's course would work in the Army.
I hear every day the strongest expressions of admira-
tion and implicit confidence expressed towards, and in
him, by men who a few short weeks since received a
toast alluding to his gallant services during the last
war with chilling coldness.
Dr. Tripler, who has just left me, says that he
heard Genl. Twiggs (not notorious for speaking well
of his superiors) say that he considered Genl. S. one of
the greatest generals of the age, that Genl. Taylor
ought not to be mentioned in the same day with him.
I am thus particular in dwelling on this subject
because I know how much pleasure and satisfaction
these facts will give you. Father knows the Genl.
as well, indeed much better than I do, and he will not
be astonished that at every battle, and by every
important movement, he gains warm friends.
212 An Artillery Officer
Genl. Worth is, I am sorry to say, not well. He
looks very badly, and told me this morning that he
had no appetite, and could scarcely bear the sight of
food. When we get into active motion again, the
Genl. will brighten up again, but were we to remain
inactive, he would, I fear, soon break down.
Genl. Cadwalader and Genl. Shields will be up in a
few days. I do not see what can be done with Genl.
Shields — should he be sufficiently restored — as it
seems to me that his commission as an officer of the
Army expired with the term of service of the Volun-
teers who were called out last year.
I do not see as much of some of the Vols, as I ought,
and as would be agreeable to me. But on returning
from our morning drills, I feel so tired, that I generally,
instead of visiting after dinner, indulge in a siesta.
Col. Butler has been remarkably kind in making
frequent calls, and I have been to see him but once.
I wiU call to-morrow to see him. He informs me that
Genl. Butler was most anxious to have me with him,
but I am almost certain that I mentioned this subject
in a previous letter.
The Editors have followed us to this place, and
issued on the 12th inst. the first number of American
Star — No. 2. If anything of interest should be treated
of in the papers, I will send them. This first number is
filled with an order publishing the Military laws passed
by the last Congress, and by late news from the United
States, and would furnish you with not one line of
interesting reading.
An anecdote is told of Genl. Scott which should be
mentioned. As he was coming to this place with an
escort of only four Companies of Cavalry, the advance
guard sent a messenger to report to the Genl. that the
In Mexico 213
Mexicans were approaching in large force. The Genl.
was, when the messenger came up, engaged in con-
versation with some ofScers, and simply directed the
messenger to report to Col. Harney. Those present
say that he evinced not the least concern, and having
sent the man to the Commanding Officer, he resumed
his conversation as if nothing had occurred.
And now in fact No. 14 must be closed. No. 15 will
be commenced to-morrow, and wUl, I fear, be finished
also before this goes.
Jime 1 8th. I have just heard that a mail will be
sent to-morrow. Nothing of much interest since the
last date of this letter. No. 15 is not sufficiently
advanced to commence its journey.
No. 15. PuEBLA, Mex.
Wednesday, June 16, 1847. '
This has been an interesting rumor-day. We hear
that Col. Mcintosh, on his way up with seven himdred
men, was repeatedly attacked, and that at the National
Bridge, affairs were so serious, that he halted and sent
back to Genl. Cadwalader, whom he was preceding,
for reinforcements. The two commands, Cadwal-
ader's and Mcintosh's, would arrive last night, report
says, at Jalapa.
If the report, of Col. M.'s being compelled to wait
for relief, be true, I fear it will raise the spirits of the
guerrilla parties, and will cause us a great deal of annoy-
ance. It is said, too, that the Mexicans have become
so daring in Vera Cruz, that they take mules from the
pens. Col. Wilson should give them one or two shells
from the Castle, if the City authorities do not put a
stop to such proceedings.
214 An Artillery Officer
Last night, too, was not to be devoid of interest.
One Alcalde deserted, taking with him half the City-
guard. These are small affairs, and will have no effect
on otir Military operations. Genl. Scott strikes at higher
game, and will not harass his troops by sending out
marauding parties. He will, I presume, quietly and
steadily make his preparations, and, at the proper
moment, strike a blow at the great City.
I give you all the rumors reported to me. I have not
sifted them to find out how little of truth there is in
them. Subsequent parts of this letter will teU how well
the false and the true are blended together.
Last night, just as I had finished No. 14, I received a
long note from Lt. Judd, requesting my approval of
an accompanying appHcation for a transfer to Bragg's
Compy. I returned the application with a polite
note, wishing him distinction, etc., and declining to
have anything to do with it. Although I do not care
about having him in the Compy., he has, as I think,
been so long engaged in various schemes to keep away
from it, that his transfer shall come without my sanc-
tion, if he get it at all.
I saw our "innocent friend," Lt. Hall, to-day. He
does not look in good health. I enquired about his
mother, from whom, he tells me, he has not heard
for a long time.
I have looked in nearly aU the principal stores in
Puebla, and I cannot find a fine Mexican blanket as
small as I wish. If I cannot get one in the City
of Mexico, you shall have a large one I bought
a day or two since. It is a very neat pattern, much
prettier than the gaudy ones I frequently see here.
In describing the dress of the Mexicans, I find, by
further observation, I have not noticed one style of
In Mexico 215
female attire worn by some of the "tortilla" sellers,
who, instead of wearing petticoats, wrap around their
waists a piece of blanket, which sometimes appears to
be scant of going once and a half around them. Their
black hair is passed in a coil around the largest part of
the head, and is frequently interwoven with red cotton.
I have not seen a bonnet in Puebla — all, rich and poor,
wear shawls, or ribosas on the head.
Of beggars, this place has a large supply, and they are
the most importimate scamps I ever saw. Some repeat
something like a petition urging the gift of alms for
some Saint's sake, which they commence before you
get to them, and continue with after you pass.
Others are silent, and merely extend the hand. There
are very few who carmot support themselves, were they
inclined to do anything, but they find it easier to beg
than to labor for the little money they need to ptirchase
what wUl clothe and feed them.
Thursday, 1 7th. The correction of yesterday's rumor
is — that Col. Mcintosh's command has dwindled from
seven to three hundred. It seems that he, instead of
being kept at bay by the enemy, drove them back
every time — that a few of his men were woimded and
that he lost a few mules. He parked his train and
sent back for reinforcements, because he did not know
what force might be brought against him.
Genl. Scott is reported, by Mr. Judd, to have said
to-day, that he had promised some of the gentlemen
another fight, but that as the news to-day was more
favorable, he was afraid there would not be another.
We had another Brigade drill to-day, under Col.
Garland. Major Wade not being very well, threw the
command of the Regt. on me again. About a mile and
2i6 An Artillery Officer
a half from the City, we have a very good open space for
our manoeuvres. To-day, at the time we were there,
Lt. Col. Duncan's Battery and Genl. Twiggs's Division
were on the same plain.
Genl. Worth complains a good deal. He has not
been well since he has joined our Army. With his
imprudence in eating, and in improperly exposing
himself, I see but little chance of his getting well. We
are very much in want of his instruction. He has
only been in the field in command of his Division once.
Genl. Twiggs drills his Division six days in the week.
Good-night.
Friday 1 8th. Two very interesting visitors have been
in my room all the evening, and have just left me.
Their conversation has been so animated, that now
that they have left, so strong a reaction has taken
place, that I am almost ready to fall asleep with the
pen in my hand. No news of consequence to-day.
I read this afternoon an address to the Mexican
Nation by "An officer of the United States Army"
(Col. Hitchcock) which some think will produce good
resxilts. He traces, in a very simple and clear manner,
the origin of the independence of Texas — shews that
it was actually achieved by Texans themselves, that
the cause of our citizens' taking such lively and active
interest in the difficulties between Mexico and Texas
was the cruel and inhuman butchery of Col. Fannin's
party, who surrendered imder a promise that they
should be sent to the United States.
States that Texas had been independent of Mexico
for the period of ten years, when the United States
acknowledged her independence, which we had pre-
viously refused to acknowledge. That Texas, being
In Mexico 217
independent, had a right to act as she pleased on the
question of Annexation, and that we had a right to
receive her.
Throws the origin of the War on the Mexicans, in
their actual attack on Genl. Taylor. Traces the pro-
gress of the War, and in giving their reverses, very
modestly points out the great disparity of our num-
bers, and gives instances of the false reports of Santa
Anna.
States our anxiety for peace, and in contradiction
of oiu- hostility to their religion, states that our Comdg.
Genl. lost an accomplished and lovely daughter who
died in a Convent, receiving aU the rights of the Catho-
lic religion, and asks whether he can be inimical to
that Church, etc., etc.
I wUl send you one of the papers containing this
address and hope you may receive it, as, in my synopsis,
I have omitted several important points. I would
have left out a few sentences, but, as a whole, I hope
good results may spring from it.
I saw the Genl. a moment this morning; he was very
kind, but so much engaged that I sat only a moment
with him.
Saturday 19th. I was startled this afternoon, by
an annunciation by one of the officers that a maU was
to be sent to Vera Cruz. No. 14 was rapidly closed,
after adding a Hne or two of this day's date, and I
hurried down to the Post Office with it. Much to my
regret the Postmaster knew nothing of the mail's
reported leaving. I then went to Genl. Hd. Qrs. and
there ascertained that there was no prospect of a
mail's being sent for an indefinite period. My poor
letter now rests quietly amid the leaves of my old.
2i8 An Artillery Officer
portefeuille : and I, with scarce a hope of your seeing
for many long months my daily scribblings, return,
because it makes me happier to do so, to my evening
chat with you.
To-day I have been trying a Mexican pony, which,
if he had pleased me, the Quarter-Master's Dept. would
have paid for — I being entitled to a horse, as Acting
Major. I did not like him, — indeed, I do not fancy the
gait of any of these horses. They are ridden with very
severe bits, which, by little more than the presstue of
the little finger on the rein, will bring the horse upon
his haunches from a gallop. As the Mexicans use
enormous spurs, between them and the bit, the horse
moves as if ready at any moment to come to a dead
halt, producing a kind of gait perfectly enchanting to
the Mexican dandy.
No news to-day from any quarter. Last evening
orders were sent to all our commands, that patrols
should be kept out constantly during the night. This
is intended to pick up our men who may remain out
of their quarters. One, a Volunteer, was murdered
last night. He had no right to be out at night. These
patrols may also catch any re-enforcements who
desire to join the Alcalde. I wonder if he was not
driven away by being compelled to transact business
with our Lt. Col. If he treated him as uncivilly and
insultingly as he did some of our Regt. whilst under
his dynasty — ^he wUl not conciliate a single Mexican
who transacts business with him.
My Sub-Lt. Andrews has just left me. I was glad to
see him, as he is unwell and feels homesick and lonely.
His disease, jaundice, always prostrates the energy
and spirits of a man. The whole Army seems to be
acclimating, as the sick lists of all our commands are
In Mexico 219
large — that of "G" Co. is slowly, I hope permanently,
decreasing.
Sunday, June 20th. Another week has passed, and
God has been pleased to return me to my Sunday
evening's chat with you, in the enjoyment of excellent
health. My implicit confidence in Him renders me
much less dissatisfied with my lot than I would
otherwise be. I feel and thank Him for it daily, that
He guards and protects my treasures — that that pro-
tection is as certain and continued during my absence
as whilst I am with you. May our hearts be ever full
of gratitude and thanks to Him, and may He soon
lead us into His fold. I did not go to chiurch to-day,
though I ought to have gone this afternoon, as there
was preaching at Genl. Hd. Qrs. by a Chaplain appointed
to the 8th Regt. Infy. under the last law.
Army reports are to-day important, and in some
instances conflicting; for instance, one report states
that Genl. Taylor has been captured by Genl. Bravo,
near Saltillo; another, that having withdrawn aU his
force from the upper part of the Rio Grande, he is
now with his Army at Brazos Santiago — his destination,
probably. Vera Cruz. The first report is not credited
by any American, and probably by no Mexican of
common-sense; the latter may be partly true. We
want all the force we can get; the larger the strength
of our Army, the more important wiU be the results
of our operations and the sooner will a peace be made.
Another rumor says that Genl. Urea arrived last night
at Nopolucan (about forty-five mUes hence) on his way
to meet Genl. Cadwalader and Lt. Col. Childs. He is
said to have 5000 men, Infy. and Cavalry, with two
pieces of Arty. 'T is also said that we have lost another
220 An Artillery Officer
mail and that Mr. N. P. Trist has been writing infor-
mally to the British Minister in Mexico, and that he is
now about communicating officially with him. I may
even think with some Httle patience of his acts, if
they lead to an honorable peace — though I shall always
entertain and express my opinion of the wrong done to
Genl. Scott in this affair, of a Special Minister being
with an Army in the field, the Genl. being at its head.
Have I not given you Army rumors enough for one
day? I think so, and I shaU therefore omit some of
smaller caUbre which have been thrown into our midst.
As my letters will probably, by the time they are sent
off, fill a good-sized octavo, I think I must write less
daily than has been my habit. Good-night.
Monday, 21st. Our soldiers, under the influence of
liquor, forget they are in an enemy's city, occasionally
stay out of their quarters all night, and are found in
the morning either killed or badly wounded — the latter
is the case with one of the Germans who joined me at
Tampa Bay. I hope it may prove a good lesson to
the other men.
The Mexicans have been tampering with our soldiers.
A Milty. Commission is in session to-day investigating
the case of a German and a Mexican, who are accused of
enticing our men to desert. The German is stated to
have been a Capt. in the Mexican Army at Cerro
Gordo and was arrested by a Sergeant of the 8th
Infy., who had been told by some privates that the
German had given them handbills printed in German,
addressed to the Germans in our Army, and urging
them to desert with their horses and arms. If the fact
be proved and he is condemned by the Cotu"t, he dies.
Yesterday, Genl. Alvares appeared in the plain,
In Mexico 221
some miles from the City, with a large body of Cavalry.
We are so poor in Cavalry, that we can use that Arm
for few other purposes than reconnoissances and in
pursuit after battle. We cannot send out a force to
meet one of any respectability. Where we are with
such an Army as we ought to have, say of 20,000, we
should have about 2000 excellent Cavalry.
I paid Col. Butler, South Carolina, a visit yesterday
afternoon; he introduced again the subject of Genl.
W. O. Butler's conversation with him relative to my
joining him; he is very much worried that the Adjt.
Genl. did not make me the offer. I cannot see why
Genl. Jones did not. I fear that Genl. Butler will
think that I received his request, and that I have
treated him discourteously in not having, at least,
thanked him for the honor he did me by having made
me so kind an offer. If I knew where he was, I should
at once, that is to say, by the first mail, write to him.
Genl. Scott with Col. Hitchcock and one of his
Aide-de-Camps came in whilst we were at the Colonel's.
The Genl. is pretty well, but says he is dying for want
of exercise.
Yesterday a party of eight gamblers went about
fourteen miles into the country to buy mules; this
morning two returned wounded, and reported that they
were attacked by about eighty Mexican soldiers and
that the others they supposed were killed, or taken
prisoners. Their going so far with so few men, was
an act of suicidal madness and foUy.
I drilled the Regt. this morning. Major W. went out
as a looker-on. He says that he has not drilled a
battalion for twenty years and that he is too nervous
to undertake it now. I am anxious for him to take
command, as comments wiU be made if he does not.
^^^ An Artillery Officer
Certainly, Genl. Cadwalader will arrive in two days
and then I shall hear from you. God grant that you
will continue to cheer me with a continuation of good
news. Good-night.
Tuesday, 22nd. Blessings come and rest upon the
head of our Genl.! I heard this afternoon, confi-
dentially (of course I may tell you), that the Genl. is
about making arrangements for having our mails
carried and brought. He is, I hear, afraid that he
will have to pay more than may be agreeable to the
Govt. But it cannot be that to save a few thousands a
month, our Govt, would be willing to have all commun-
ication with our Army cut off. Certain it is that no
one who has relatives or friends in our Army, will ob-
ject to any sum Genl. Scott may find himself com-
pelled to pay. Humanity demands this measure, as
peace may be declared without oiir knowing anything
of it.
Genl. C. has not arrived. The Milty. Commission
have sent their proceedings to Genl. Scott in the case
of the German but the Genl. has not acted on them.
We have had no rumors of any consequence to-day.
In your letter after you receive this, I wish you to send
me the size of your hand and foot, as I may find some
gloves, etc., in Mexico, that would be curiosities. The
gold embroidery of Puebla is richer and more beautiful
than any I ever saw, but it is said that the embroidery
of the City of Mexico surpasses this.
As the Pay Dept. will probably have no more funds,
whilst we are in this country, than to supply us only
occasionally with a month's pay, I may be compelled
to be more economical than I otherwise would be.
But I intend, as far as my means may permit, to bring
In Mexico 223
you specimens of curiosity and of interest from this
country.
Do urge the American peace party to receive with
warm hearts the first whisperings of peace from these
deluded people, who seem not to think that each month
adds to our strength and weakens theirs. Every emi-
grant who follows our Army comes as no friend of Span-
ish supremacy in this Country. I have a faint hope
that in my letter to-morrow night, I may thank you
for a letter, or letters. I wUl at all events retire with
that deHghtful expectation. Good-night, God bless
and protect you.
Wednesday, 23rd. Vain hope — no mail — no news of
the approach of Genl. Cadwalader. A command has
been sent to meet him, and to bring the mail, but it
has not returned. To-day I have been pretty con-
stantly engaged in attending to my duties of Division
Officer of the Day, an honor to which I am elevated
by my useless assignment as Acting Major. I left my
quarters at nine this morning to report to Genl. Worth ;
from his quarters, I proceeded on horseback to visit
the different regiments and guards of the Division,
and did not retmn till about two.
This is very different from the daily routine of duty
I used to attend to at Tampa Bay. At eight I visit
such parts of the Command as I think proper. But
instead of being Officer of the Day every other day, I
am here every tenth day.
One of the Guerrilla captains was recognized and
taken in the City to-day. It would have been well
if he had been shot in the act of being taken, but I do
not see that we can do otherwise with the legalized
robber than to keep him in prison. I have no doubt
224 An Artillery Officer
that the City is daily visited by these men. But they
can do but little more than gratify their curiosity by
these visits, as our guards are so strong and our troops
so well posted that they will not attempt to commit
any depredations on our property or persons.
Lt. Judd has been transferred to Briggs's Compy. —
thus have the "G.'s" lost his valuable services for
ever. I shall probably get Lt. Burton in his place.
As Lt. B. is in California I am not likely to see him for
a long time; this I do not regret, as Lt. Shields, the
2nd Lieut, of the Compy., is eflficient and active.
The men are now nearly all well — the poor Httle
drummer boy is, and has been for several days, very
ill. He is better to-day than he was yesterday, and
will, I hope, recover. The wounded man is also doing
well ; his injuries were not very grievous. Good-night,
etc.
Thursday, 24th. This is the anniversary of the birth
of one of my brothers. 'T is a great day with the Catho-
lics — birthday of John the Baptist — and especially
charming to children. Nearly all the boys I have seen
in the streets to-day are attired as officers or soldiers —
hats, caps, coats, flags (Mexican and a few American),
wooden guns, pikes, and swords are fotmd ever)rwhere
on the little strutting heroes. It is delightfvd to see
the joy of the little ones. How you would enjoy
seeing them !
This morning a note was received from Genl. Crit-
tenden, stating that he had met with serious opposition
all the way from Vera Cruz, and that he would leave
Perote this day. He cannot reach us sooner than the
29th or 30th. The note gave no particulars; it was
written on a very small piece of paper, and was brought
In Mexico 225
by a Mexican, concealed in some part of his dress.
We are nearly as much in doubt as before. We do
not know whether he has lost any of his men, whether
he brings a mail. And. on a very important point,
we also long for information, whether he brings a very
large sum of money.
The Pay Dept., instead of using its fimds in paying
the men, is letting the Commissary and Quartermaster's
Depts. use them in procuring food for man and beast.
Genl. Worth is, I am happy to say, much better than
he was when I mentioned him a few days ago. He
says that one or two days in the saddle will make him
as well as ever. Something may have occurred this
morning, peculiarly agreeable to him — ^he is a man of
powerful impulses.
To-morrow I wUl be engaged in some serious matters,
I presume, as I am a member of a Council of War to
convene early in the morning. Capt. W. C. De Hart
is oux Recorder — we could not have a better. Lt.
Col. Garland is the President, Capt. F. Taylor is a
member. I do not know of what number the Cotmcil
is composed, as I have not been furnished with the
order. More of this hereafter.
Since I have recovered from the Perote chill, I find
the temperature here very agreeable. The night is
cool enough to sleep under a blanket and in the day-
time you are but little incommoded by the heat of
the stm, and you always find it pleasantly cool, either
in the shade of the street or in the house.
It rains now daily, either between three and five
P.M. or at night. The Mexicans tell me that the rainy
season continues till October. But this is spoken of
as the rainy month. The muskmelons have disap-
peared from the market; I find nothing new but a
226 An Artillery Officer
fruit called mango, which I have not tasted. Good-
night.
Friday, 25th. The Council of War, Col. Clarke (in
place of Col. Garland, sick), Bvt. Lt. Col. C. F. Smith,
Maj. Bainbridge, Captains Anderson and F. Taylor,
were in session this morning. The case before us is
that of a Mexican attempting to get one of our men to
desert. The evidence does not seem, thus far, to be
conclusive.
The session of another Court near us has been of
greater interest than our own. A Court of Inquiry,
composed of Maj. Genl. Quitman, Brig. Generals
Twiggs and Persifer Smith, met this morning on the
application of Bvt. Maj. Genl. Worth to investigate
his conduct in some particulars of his command here,
for which he had been censured by his old patron and
most steadfast friend, Genl. Scott. As we were
necessarily engaged in our own duties, I was not in the
Court of Inquiry long enough to hear the points of
the case; but, from some of Genl. Worth's remarks,
I infer that Genl. Scott disapproved of certain Articles
of Agreement with the City Authorities imder which
Genl. Scott thinks we entered this City, by which the
cases of some Mexicans were tried before their own
authorities for murdering a soldier.
Genl. Scott having, in his order declaring Martial
Law to govern in all the places occupied by our troops
in Mexico, decided that all similar cases should come
before Military Commissions. These Articles of Agree-
ment, if sanctioned by Genl. W., necessarily and of
course rescinded Genl. Scott's orders.
Another case is, I hear, of more recent occurrence.
While I was Officer of the Day on the 14th inst. an Irish-
In Mexico 227
man came into our quarters to warn us against allowing
our men to buy articles from the Mexican women, who
have their little market in front of our quarters, stating
that he had been informed by a very respectable Mexi-
can lady, that the women put something poisonous
in what they cooked.
I did not credit the story, as none of our men had com-
plained of being made sick, and I had never seen any of
the women selling any cooked articles to the soldiers —
and again the whole story seemed improbable, that a
parcel of poor women, trying to make a httle money
by selling their fruits, etc., should make such an attempt,
the detection of which would be certain and easy and
the punishment of which must be so severe. Of so
Httle consequence did I think the man's story that I
did not allude to it in reporting to Genl. Worth the
next morning — thinking it unnecessary to trouble him
with an idle tale.
Three days after, we received a circular from Genl.
W. stating that he had received information from a
source entitled to full credit, that certain Mexicans
were mixing poison with the food sold to our soldiers,
and urging the scfldiers to confine themselves to their
rations and not to purchase any articles of food from
the Mexicans.
Two or three days after the receipt of this circular,
an order came from Genl. Worth, stating that in obedi-
ence to instructions from the Genl. in Chief all copies
of his previous circular should be withdrawn and re-
tiuned to his office. This is, I believe. Article of In-
vestigation No. 2. How many others there are, or
whether I am right in the above, I do not now posi-
tively know. But I will give you further particulars as
I learn them.
228 An Artillery Officer
This difficulty is deeply to be regretted, but that
Genl. Scott is right in the matter, I do not doubt.
The Mexicans may try to make capital of it, but they
wiU find, that though Genl. W. may be disposed to
kick at the traces, he will draw like a true horse when
work is to be done. Enough for to-night. Good-night.
God be with you.
Saturday, the 26th. We finished the Mexican's case
to-day. In the Court of Inquiry, I hear that Genl.
Worth proposed a question, which after dehberation the
Court refused to put to the witness. The Genl. then
stated he had no fiirther questions, whereupon the Court
adjourned till nine to-morrow. Major Kirby says that
there is so much bitterness between the parties that
this spHt is for ever. All regret, deeply regret it.
No news from Mexico. Though for the last two or
three days we have had rumors here that Mr. N. P.
Trist is in correspondence with Mexican Cpmmis-
sioners; doubtful.
Genl. S. received a letter from Genl. Cadwalader
informing him that he had received instructions from
Genl. Pillow to remain at Perote tiU Genl. Pillow's
arrival — the reasons for these instructions, Genl. P.
states, "he cannot now give." Thus is the arrival of
Genl, Cadwalader with the long desired mail indefi-
nitely postponed. We are truly unfortunate, and have
only one source of consolation in this affair, which is,
that Genl. Pillow may bring us a later mail from the
United States than Genl. Cadwalader has.
I ought to receive a letter from you up to the 20th
of May informing me of yoiur arrival and domestica-
tion in your summer quarters. I feel some anxiety
to hear what arrangements your Grandmother makes
In Mexico 229
for the summer, who is to remain with her, etc. Your
letters will have answered all my surmises long before
you receive this.
The weather here is very pleasant for us who are
housed, but with these daily or nightly rains, must
be exceedingly disagreeable for those who are in tents.
Sunday, 27th. I sat two or three hours this after-
noon with my most kind friend Genl. S. and though the
news commimicated to me was strictly confidential,
you may without breach of confidence be made my
confidante of the heads of it. The Secy. Br. Legation
left here night before last. Mr. N. P. Trist has entered
upon his duties as Commissioner — his letter has been
received by the Govt. Congress is not now in session,
but Genl. Santa Anna is attempting to reassemble
them in order to refer the question to them.
He has expressed himself in favor of having a Com-
missioner appointed to meet Mr. Trist but will not assume
(indeed he is expressly forbidden by an Act of Congress
to do so) the responsibility of making such appointment.
Mr. Trist having forwarded in a proper letter the docu-
ments presenting him in his official capacity, Genl. S.
immediately acknowledges their receipt, and recog-
nizing him as deputed with high powers states that
he is willing to confer with Mr. Trist, either by writing
or orally, on aU questions entrusted to him. Of course
tmtil this ofifer is disposed of, or at all events, for a reason-
able time, we are fast here. God in His infinite wisdom
incline the hearts of both Nations to peace. With what
gratitude shall I receive the joyful news that the war
is over, and that orders are out for my return to my
blessed home. I am not, however, sanguine; a com-
menced negotiation does not necessarily end in peace.
230 An Artillery Officer
I hope that the United States will be generous and
liberal in her terms — she may well be so. Much care
must be taken to soothe Mexican pride, which has been
sorely wounded. We should be, we CAN be magnani-
mous, without ova: motives being misunderstood. I
also read Genl. S.'s reply to a very impertinent letter
from Mr. T. (alluded to in a previous letter) ; it is cruelly
severe — I do not see how Mr. T. can ever look the
Genl. in the face. He closes by telling him never
again to dare to write to him in that manner, etc.
The proceedings of oiur Council in the Mexican's
case are published — he was acquitted. To-morrow, we
have a Belgian before us — the proof will, I fear, be
very direct, in his case — persuading to desert and
offering to buy aU horses, arms, etc., which might be
brought by deserters. This letter wiU probably tell
the result of his trial.
No information of the South Carolinian (Capt.
Kirshaw) who took charge of No. 13, sent on the 4th
inst. You may have received it by this time. I pray
God that the day may soon come when we may at last
have regular mails giving good news from home.
Good-night, etc., etc.
Monday, 28th. I hear to-day that the mail which
left on the 4th is on its way back to us. How deeply
do I regret this, as I know that you will be exceedingly
anxious and ixneasy at not hearing from me. You
will not be able, I know, to banish your apprehensions.
Here I am in excellent health, and almost free from
the annoyances of the rumors of war, and yet I cannot
get a letter to you, nor can I receive one from you as
soon as it ought to come. But as yet they do come, and
I am most truly grateful for that blessing.
In Mexico 231
We did not commence the trial of the Belgian this
morning, but propose taking his case up to-morrow.
I have been amused to-day in listening to the various
rumors about the negotiations. Everybody seems to
believe that something is in the wind, and all are so
deeply interested that it seems cruel to withhold light
from them, when I find them standing in the dark —
but I cannot say a word which will let them think I
know anything about the true state of facts.
The Court of Inquiry in Genl. Worth's case ad-
journed this morning. Their opinion has not yet
been published. With our mail of the 4th inst. went
Genl. Scott's application to be relieved from the com-
mand of this Army. As it is rumored that we are
to receive large re-inforcements and a large remittance
of money, the Genl. may think proper to suspend his
application for the present. He has good cause of
complaint.
Tuesday, 29th. We tried the Belgian to-day. We
meet again to-morrow morning but hope that we may
not have to take up a new case. I omitted to mention
the fate of the two, German and Mexican, tried before
the first Council: the German was condemned to be
shot, but Genl. Scott, on the recommendation of the
majority of the Court, founded on a belief of the partial
insanity of the man, remitted the sentence. The
Mexican was acquitted.
I have heard nothing more of the mail arrangement.
'T is said that a large train will be sent to Vera Cruz
soon after the arrival of Genl. Pillow. Rumor states
to-day that the Mexican Congress is in session. I hope
that this may be true, though I expected that a longer
time would be necessary to reassemble them.
232 An Artillery Officer
Genl. S. told me that he had received very kind
messages from Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead, the Br. Minis-
ter and his wife. The Secy, of Legation seemed to
feel, on the questions of oxir relations with Mexico,
more like an American than an Englishman. Genl.
S. also received a very kind and compHmentary letter
from the Commander of the British fleet off Vera Cruz,
and from a son of Sir Robert Peel, on board one of the
vessels. The fact is, that when anything great and
glorious is effected by our Arms, John Biill cannot
help feeling that we are flesh of his flesh; jealousy, for
the moment, is conquered by pride.
We flnd here some Englishmen, but, as far as I know,
they claim to be American citizens, haviag first stopped
in the United States. The drummer boy is better —
the Dr. thinks that he will recover. Good-night,
good-night. May Angels watch and guard your sleep.
Wednesday, June 30th. Nothing of interest to-day.
The courier of the Br. Minister passed through to-day
on his bi-weekly trip to Vera Cruz, but I did not hear
of his having brought any news. The Council of War
met, and no other case being presented, adjourned.
To enable you to see me as I now Hve, I will give you
a detail of one day's doings; here, we are Uttle more
than machines — one is a fair sample of all. Rising at
reveille, I take my usual time and means for preparing
for breakfast. As soon as I complete my toilette,
about half -past six, I leave my room, and walk for half
an hour till breakfast, which consists ordinarily of
toast, coffee, and eggs (eighteen and three quarters or
twenty-five cents per dozen) , butter (one dollar per lb.),
hogshead cheese (fifty cents per lb.), Bologna sausage
(fifty cents per lb.), or soused pigs' feet are sometimes
In Mexico 233
added. The first three of the last articles — decided
luxuries.
For drills or other duties, I go out at nine o'clock,
returning to dinner which is generally about one o'clock.
It consists of soup, a small piece of salt or fresh meat,
cabbage, rice or squash, and a salad of lettuce, tomatoes,
and onions. I omitted to mention a bad habit I am
contracting by order of my Dr., that of taking a toddy
about eleven o'clock.
After dinner, I take the Tactics, and generally awaken
from a pleasant nap about three o'clock. Before
throwing myseK on my old camp bed, I usually eat
a pear, peach, a few apricots, or a little of some of their
numerous dukes. I have now some peaches, and what
I think are crab-apples, prepared differently from any
I ever saw with us; they are dry and well flavored;
they seem to have been preserved and then dried.
Afternoon drill takes place at four, but as this is
Compy. or Squad drill, I have nothing to do with it.
At five, Major Wade generally proposes a stroll, when
we go through the market, and do what shopping our
messing requires. We thus pass an hour or so, and
return, taking coffee (tea) at candle-light. Our tea
is frugal, a cup of coffee, toast, and a taste of hogshead
cheese, sausage, and butter. I take a little milk after
my coffee. I then retire to my room, and after a few
moments, seat myself at my table to chat with you.
This I continue until I think I have used as much
space as can be spared for that day's letter, when I
return my letter to my old trunk and sit down to the
study, tiU bed time, of the only Milty. work I have, a
treatise on La petite guerre, translated into French from
the German of Decker ; or if I have found any Spanish
proclamations, etc., I borrow a dictionary and read
234 An Artillery Officer
them, and then to bed, when I always say our evening
prayers, and a special one for you and my return to
you. Good-night.
Thursday, July ist. Reports somewhat important
came to-day. One is that three Commissioners, Genl.
Tomel, ex -Secy. War, at the head, were appointed to
confer with Mr. Trist; another that the troops at
Atlixco under Genl. Alvares and Canalizo have dis-
persed, broken up in a row in consequence of a quarrel
between these Generals.
Genl. Scott received this morning, a letter from Genl.
Cadwalader stating that Genl. PUlow had not arrived
at Perote on the 29th. Genl. C. writes that Genl.
Pillow has about 1600 men with him, Infy. he thinks.
As Genl. Pillow left Jalapa on the 25th he should have
reached Perote on the day of Genl. Cadwalader's
report. I cannot indulge sanguinely yet in the hope
of peace being soon proclaimed. Were the idea once
to take full possession of my soul, its failure of accom-
plishment would be a very severe trial of all my philo-
sophy. I will therefore try and await patiently the
progress of the Negotiation, hoping tranquilly that it
may lead to peace.
Received this afternoon a visit from Capt. Danl.
Ruggles, U. S. A., who requested information about the
positions and deeds of "G" Co. dvuing the siege of
Vera Cruz : he told me that he was engaged on a History
of the War, and that he intended being very particular
and minute in the detail of the operations of the siege.
I have copied for Adjt. Austine some incidents and
dates from my note-book. His work will not be as
valuable or interesting as Capt. De Hart's — if he writes
one. Adjt. Austine has just left my room, having sat
In Mexico 235
pretty late with me, obtaining information for Capt.
Ruggles. I will now retire, leaving a little corner for
to-morrow's news. Good-night.
July 2nd. Friend Kirby called to see me this fore-
noon. I regret to hear that Mr. Trist is seriously sick,
so much so, that he can attend to no business. This
is very unfortunate, just at this time when he was
about entering upon his delicate and important duties.
Mr. T. has no funds, it appears, contrary to our expec-
tation. Genl. S. has offered to place $250,000 in the
City of Mexico, in twenty-four hours, subject to
Mr. T.'s order.
News comes from Mexico, that they leam by way of
New Orleans that Genl. Scott has been ordered to sus-
pend all further Military operations till the arrival of
his successor. Can it be possible that Genl. Pillow is
to be that successor, that the fate of our gallant Army,
the honor of our Nation is to be taken from the safe
guardianship of our great Genl. and intrusted to him
or to any other untried man! I cannot believe it.
The President may send Genl. Pillow (his neighbor,
friend, and partner) as one of the Commissioners — that
would be honor enough. I cannot think any higher
can be intended. I must close No. 15 and let it wait
for a mail, commencing No. 16 to-morrow.
No. 16. PUEBLA.
Saturday, July 3, 1847.
Rank, sometimes, presents its possessor advantages
the subordinates cannot secure. I feel this to-day in
all its force. Genl. Worth availed himself of his
position, in getting a letter or two taken by the
British Courier to Vera Cruz; we knew nothing of
236 An Artillery Officer
the possibility of such a thing being done, till the
day too late. Per contra, I hear that the opinion of
the Court of Inquiry has been published at Division
and Brigade Headquarters, and that it bears very
heavily on Genl. Worth, censuring him for the conces-
sions made to the City Authorities on our entry here,
inasmuch as some of the provisions were in contradic-
tion of, and actually repealed, Genl. Scott's order, and
also finding him at fault in issuing his anti-poison
Circtilar.
I reported to the Genl. this morning as Div. Officer
of the Day, but did not take a seat, as I was afraid he
might allude to the subject. I would rather not con-
verse at all about the matters of investigation, at all
events, I would prefer postponing it until the rough
edge has well worn down.
Some Mexicans report that there is great commotion
and trouble in the City of Mexico; but, whether it
be favorable or unfavorable in its results to the cause
of peace, we must wait a day or two before we can
learn.
The newsboys are now crying through town a sheet
containing (i) the letter of the Mexican Secy, of
Foreign Affairs, transmitting it to the Secretaries of
Congress; (2) Mr. Secretary Buchanan's letter inform-
ing the Mexican Govt, of the appointment of Mr. Trist
as Commissioner with ftill powers to conclude a treaty
of peace ; and also (3) the Mexican Secretary's letter to
Mr. Buchanan, acknowledging the receipt of his letter.
As the American newspapers will have these letters
at least as soon as you receive this, it wUl be useless
for me to give even a synopsis of their contents. Mr.
Buchanan's letter, the first part of it particularly, is
written in good temper and with ability ; the Mexican
In Mexico 237
letters evince no bad feeling. The affair, upon the
whole, I think bears a favorable aspect. I have not
heard to-day from Mr. Trist. The mail is expected to-
morrow.
I hear that the troops may be here on Monday —
which we keep as the 4th. A National Salute to be
fired at twelve, all the troops being under arms, and
at eight P.M. a rocket to be thrown up for each of our
States. Query: Will they give us rockets for each of
the Mexican States we have annexed?
The sentence of our "Council of War" has been
published — the Belgian is to be imprisoned in the
Castle of Perote, during the continuance of the war
between the United States and Mexico, to pay to the
treasury of the United States $300, not being released
tin this fine be paid. So that you see the result of
our deliberations places no spot of blood on my soul.
Our friend is throwing himself to the dogs as fast as he
can. I have spoken to him, but 't is useless — my taking
him to task would lose me his friendship, and result in
no good. I deeply, most deeply, regret it; there is
nothing I wotild not do to stop him in his downhill
career.
Sunday, July 4th. The anniversary of our glorious
independence. Many, very many years must pass
before the common people, the public of this miscalled
Republic, will be sufficiently enlightened to enjoy the
blessings of , independence. Unfortunately, all attempts
to better their condition, instead of being nursed into
activity in the schooLhouse, and rendered effective at
the polls, are christened by the bloody sword.
This day is not tmimportant in my little history,
as, six months ago, I crossed the bar leading from Tampa
238 An Artillery Officer
Bay, oiir last happy home. Will Echo tell whether the
expiration of another six wiU find us united? God
grant that the action of the Mexican Congress may be
of such character as to bring peace among its other
blessings.
The day has passed off pretty well, at least I have
heard of no casualties among ovir soldiers. The news
from Vera Cruz this morning is highly important — as
we heard of the landing there of Maj. Genl. F. Pierce,
with 2000 men, and that he is to be followed by 6000
more. These additions to oiu" forces will give us a
respectable Army, such as we should have had to
commence our march into the interior — ^not large
enough, however, if the Mexican Congress should
decline oiu" offer of peace. We must, in that
tmfortunate event, act with most decided energy, and
exercise aU our skUl.
I have not seen Genl. Scott since the receipt of this
news, which I learned this morning from Genl. Worth.
I would go to see him this evening, were it not both
damp and chilly. To-night, I must also make up for
the last night's loss of sleep.
Genl. W. stated that he heard Mr. Trist's situation
was more than critical. No news from the Capital
to-day, and worst of all, no mail in. Would it not be
too bad if the arrival of Genl. Pierce should still
longer delay Genl. Cadwalader! I will still, though
it would seem hoping against hope, try and hope to-
morrow wiU bring letters from you. Good-night.
Tuesday, July 6th. A slight chill succeeded by some
fever kept me in bed all day yesterday, and prevented
my writing to you last night. A letter was received
yesterday from Vera Cniz informing us that Genl.
In Mexico 239
Pierce was encamped near there with 2500 men, that
he would march in a day or two. My friend Maj.
Gait comes with him. Rumor says that the bands of
guerrillas along the road have fallen out with their
chiefs, whom they want to hang, and that their quarrels
will probably disperse them.
From Mexico, we have no news. A day or two
should give us important items as Congress may be
now in session, and their decision in answer to the
application of our Govt, will probably be made very
soon after their meeting. The news of the landing of
Genl. P. and of the expected arrival of other troops
may quicken their deliberations.
'Tis a pity that so many of our countrymen have
passed through Vera Cruz and the imhealthy region
thence to Jalapa at this season; I fear that we shall
lose many of the men. Although I have had no chill
or fever to-day, yet having been up nearly all day, I
feel a little weakened by yesterday's attack, and
think I had better retire early. I will then wish you
good-night, praying God to guard and guide you.
Wednesday, 7th. This, which I expected would be
my sick day, has passed without my having had a
return of my chill, so that I hope that I may con-
sider myself weU. My friends have been very kind.
Capt. R. Lee called yesterday, and to-day my old
friends, Maj. Irwin, Col. Smith, Maj. Tumbull, Dr.
Lawson, etc. — ^have all, with others, called to see
how I was. Dr. Tripler, who does not belong to
our Division, happened to call the day I was taken
sick, and as our Dr. was not then in, I asked Dr. T.
to prescribe for me, and thus became his patient; he
has been very attentive. I hope I may have an
240 An Artillery Officer
opportunity of shewing my friends that I never forget
kindnesses.
Genl. Pillow is in the City with the mail, which will
be delivered early in the morning, when we shall have
a new Commander, an old acquaintance, Capt. Martin
Burke.
Our present Commander is too mild, and his kind-
ness and forbearance are imposed upon by the young
officers. The Capt. will, I think, keep a little tighter
rein.
From Mexico, we have news; it is surmised that the
true original peace party wish to prevent Santa Anna
from having anything to do with making the treaty.
They hope that some event may occur which will put
him down. He is now having the Army under his
influence, and holding the strong places in and near the
City, too powerful for them. His friends are resolved
not to have the ballot-boxes opened until September or
the new President inaugurated until December, until
which time they intend he shall have the power in
his own hands. If they fail in their designs, Santa
Anna's fall will be certain and perhaps terminate
fatally for him, as he has many very bitter enemies.
A few days may tinravel these new knotty points.
Mr. Trist called to see Genl. Scott yesterday; his
case is considered critical, as he has some affection of
the lungs, and this climate is decidedly tuifavorable to
all persons with weak lungs.
Derr has just come in to tell me that McDonough
has come. I am rejoiced to see him (he has just left
me) as he was left sick, and I was afraid that he would
never join us again. You do not know how attentive
and kind Derr was to me in my little sickness — had I
been his own son his manner could not have been
In Mexico 241
kinder. He was very higMy flattered with the messages
in your last letter. I cannot write any more till I
receive your letters. God grant that they bring me
good news from you. Good-night.
Thursday morning, 8th. A thousand, thousand
thanks to God, and blessings on you for your letters of
the 7th, nth, and 21st May. I regret to hear of the
severe attack of poor Grandmother. I only took up
my pen to make my early acknowledgments of your
letters.
The troops arrived this morning, so that now we
have our new Commander. Lt. Thomas, who returned
sick from Tepeyahualco to Jalapa, also came up ; he is
looking pretty well but has not recovered his strength.
Maj. Buchanan is with Genl. Pillow; whether he will
remain with him as A.D.C. or rejoin his Regt., I do
not think he has yet determined. Col. Andrews of the
Voltigeurs is here. Four Compys. of Lt. Col. W. W.
Graham's Regt. also arrived. I had a good opportu-
nity, two days since, of speaking to my old friend,
and could not avoid making a last attempt. I fear it
will do no good.
I am very anxious to hear from you again, as I feel
very great anxiety about Father, who was, when you
wrote, I fear, far from being well. Poor old grandmother,
from so many and such violent attacks, so rapidly
succeeding, will not, I fear, last much longer.
You ask my opinion about your paying my family
a visit. I wish exceedingly that you would do so.
But you will hardly be able to do it now, as, long before
this letter reaches you (indeed it is perhaps at this
moment too late), Maj. Sanders will have returned.
He was as good a person as you could have seen to
242 An Artillery Officer
make you understand all about the positions of the
batteries, etc., at Vera Cruz. I do not doubt that if
he returned to Savannah in the boat with you, that his
conversation iaterested Father very much. I hope he
did so for your sake, as your agitation, you state,
prevented your tuiderstanding much of his first con-
versation. He might have made everything more
intelligible by a little sketch.
From what Genl. Pillow told me to-day, I think it
is probable that Duncan's Regt. may be ordered here.
I shall most joyfully welcome him though I am still
sorry that he chose the profession of arms. He might
have done much better. But we must now stimulate
him to render himself accompHshed and distinguished
as a soldier.
I heard to-day, confidentially, that Genl. Scott had
not received any order from the President compli-
mentary to the troops and himself, but that the
Secretary had written a very severe letter. How
dare he address in terms other than courteous and
approbatory (and what is his approbation in such a
case) a man so far his superior in every respect! I
hope that there is some mistake in this matter; if so I
will gladly make the amende honorable, for I have always
had a regard for the Secretary. Enough for one night.
Friday, 9th. Feeling a little chilly this evening, in
consequence of a change of weather, I shall not write
much. In speaking of this place, I have not mentioned
that these changes are not uncommon. The wind
shifting round to the W. and SW. brings chills on its
wings from the eternal snows which cover the tops of
Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which are plainly in
sight in that direction.
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In Mexico 243
The snow-capped mountains are visible from this
place — the two above mentioned — and in the distance,
towards the East, lies our old friend Orizaba, whose
familiar outline is plainly visible at an early hour of a
cloudless morning. As we stand on our drill groimd,
we see at the left of Popocatepetl, the renowned pyramid
of Cholula, where a Catholic Chapel now stands, on
the spot where, probably, the Indians had their temples
in which thousands of human beings were sacrificed.
Cholxila was, in the days of Cortez, a magnificent
city; not a trace of the ancient city now remains.
You there find ruins of a large Spanish City, built since
the destruction of that of the Indians.
In the old Cholula, Cortez, in consequence of dis-
covering a plot to cut his army to pieces, inflicted most
exemplary and savage punishment on its poor inhabi-
tants. In their temples they had large cages full of
men and women whom they were fattening to sacrifice
or to eat. The niins of the renowned City of Tlascala
he to the right of our road to Mexico. I should like
very much to visit both these cities, but fear that I
shall not be able to do so.
Rumor states that Genl. Santa Aima has ordered all
the troops and all the arms to the City of Mexico —
he may fear a pronunciamiento (a declaration against
him, preceding a revolutionary movement), and is perhaps
preparing to put it down by the strong arm of power.
I have been engaged all day in preparing my quarterly
papers for the functionaries at Washington, but when
or how wUl they go? Had I not been thus busily
engaged, I would. have called to see the Genl. 'Tis
too bad, he did not receive a line from his family. It
wiU distress me, knowing this, to meet him.
Rain, rain, rain — this is indeed the rainy season.
244 An Artillery Officer
It is now raining for the third spell within the last
twenty-four hours. I feel so uncomfortable (you
know our rooms have no glass windows, with their
conveniences and comforts) that I must retire.
Sunday, iith. As I was a little apprehensive, when
the above was written, I had last night a regular chill,
and remained in bed all day yesterday, having taken
twenty grains of quinine in the morning. To-day I
have been up since about eight o'clock, taking two
grain piUs every two hours, and feel so well now that
I hope I may have no return of the chill.
I heard to-day through Dr. Cuyler of yotir having
passed through Savannah. Mrs. Locke was kind
enough to send me word that she had seen you and that
you were looking well. The Dr. also said that you had
passed through Charleston. I hope to receive at least
one letter from you, by the train which accompanies
Genl. Pierce.
For the past two days the City has been filled with
rumors from Mexico. I have not been well enough
to go to Genl. Hd. Qrs., where I will learn the truth.
The general impression, however, is, that we are to
have a fight, and a very severe one.
Some think, that on our approach, Santa Anna's
enemies wUl compel him to come to terms, or others
think that they wUl take advantage of our presence to
attempt to remove him from his usurped office. So
strangely do these people act, that I pretend to form
no idea of what they will do. Half of the time they
leave undone things they ought to have done. Certain
it is that messengers have arrived from Mexico, yester-
day and the day before.
The Mexican Congress have not yet succeeded in
In Mexico 245
getting a quorum. I will not commence another page
to-night, but close by a good-night — good-night.
Monday, 12th. A most im welcome visitor this morn-
ing, in a threatened chill. Dr. Tripler happened to be
sitting by me, and checked it by giving me quinine
and making me take a pretty good grog of "Catalan,"
being well covered in bed. As it was not succeeded by
fever, I shall not count it a chill.
Dr. Cuyler was kind enough to send me the latest
Savannah Georgian. In that of the 28th of May, I
see the arrival on the 27th of Mrs. Anderson, and maid,
and the rest of yotir family party. This relieves my
apprehensions about Father's health, which might not,
I feared, permit of his going on in that trip of the boat.
I put down your arrival in Clarkesville about the ist
of June, and feel certain that Genl. Pierce will bring
me a letter from you dated at Clarkesville.
Capt. Johnson Lee started with a flag of truce for the
City of Mexico this morning; what his mission is, I
know not ; some say that he bears a message relative
to the prisoners now in that City, viz., Maj. Gaines
and his party. No organization has yet taken place of
their Congress.
To-morrow, our Brigade goes back, probably as far
as Nopolucan, on a foraging expedition, it is said. This
attack of chills keeps me here, as the Dr. will not
permit me to go. Were the march towards Mexico, I
would regret separation from the Command very much,
but as they go over the beaten groimd, and when they
will only see a few guerrillas, who will avoid them, I
do not care very much about it. They will be absent
five days, and will probably return about the time
Genl. Pierce comes up.
246 An Artillery Officer
The impression gains ground daily that we shall
advance very soon after we receive the augmentation
of our force. We may find near Mexico about twenty
thousand men — we shall have about half that number,
Lieut. Johnston is now busy hanging up his pictures
(Catholic) in my room preparatory to his going in the
morning, so I will bid good-night.
Tuesday, 13th. No chill to-day, and feeling pretty
well to-night; if I escape to-morrow night, I shall
again hope it is broken. The Command left this morn-
ing under Capt. Burke, Col. Garland commanding
the Brigade. I fear that they had an unpleasant
afternoon, as we had a very heavy rain about three
o'clock. I called this morning to see Genl. Scott, but
as he was engaged with Mr. Trist, I did not go to his
room, but sat a few moments with his Staff. Genl.
Scott reviews our Army on the 15th, 17th, and 19th
inst. and report says that we are to leave on the 21st.
Hardly as soon, I think.
Genl. Scott has so entirely won the confidence of
the Army by the prudence and bravery which com-
bine so beautifully in his character, that they, like
myself, wiU, when he orders us to advance, determine
at once that 't is the time to do so. That he is well
informed of every measiure of any importance I am
confident, and he will not order an advance until he
is weU assured that it is necessary and important for
us to do so. Never were the interests of a country
in the keeping of a safer chief.
There are some reasons, and of importance too, why
we should remain here till the rainy season is over,
and all these the Genl. well knows, and has deliberately
weighed. We shall have a very fatigvdng march, and
In Mexico 247
one atttended with great suffering and succeeded by a
great deal of sickness.
We have not heard what Division will take the lead.
Genl. Twiggs pretends to be very desirous of leading —
saying that it is his turn as we were in the advance from
Jalapa — but here no one expected to meet with resist-
ance. But why speculate upon a question the decision
of which will in all probability be given either in this
or a letter you will receive by the same mail? I am
sorry that Capt. Saionders did not go to Savannah on
the boat with you as I fear you did not see him but
once. Good-night, etc.
Wednesday, July 14th. I passed the night and this
day very comfortably, no chill. This morning I called
to see Genl. Scott, and found him so busily engaged
writing that I did not sit down; he was very affec-
tionate. Capt. Lee did not go with a flag of truce to
Mexico, "escorted by two Compys. of Dragoons."
Capt. Kearney, with his Compy., went as an escort
to a flag of truce borne by Capt. Symmes, U.S. Navy.
He returned this evening; with what news I will report
to-morrow evening. Finding that I have been so
grossly deceived in the report, so positively asserted by
many, of Capt. Lee's mission to the City, I will be a
little more cautious in crediting camp stories than I
have been.
I find that preparations are making in the different
staff corps of the Army for an advance, which all seem
to think will be made in this month. I am exceedingly
desirous of hearing what report Capt. Kearney makes of
the state of the roads. I fear that we shall find them
very heavy, or at all events they will be rendered so
before one half of our long train passes over them.
248 An Artillery Officer
I hear that a private express is about starting for
Vera Cruz. I will enquire to-morrow about the pro-
babilities in favor of, and against its reaching that
place, and if the chances are favorable, I will despatch
one or more of the volumes on hand. No one, who
has not been situated similarly to ourselves, can
conceive of the blessings they enjoy in the luxury of
regular daily, or even weekly mails. I hope that I
may never again be placed out of hearing of the "Post-
boy's horn."
On meeting an officer of the 2nd Arty, to-day, I
learn that many of their officers were as luifortunate
as myself in being left by their Regt. in consequence
of indisposition. Among the number I regret naming
Capt. De Hart and Cousin Samuel ; the former has been
ill, the latter too unwell to accompany his Regt., but
not confined seriously. I have not mentioned poor
Saffem the drummer boy's case for several days ; he is
slowly recovering.
Lt. Judd is more of an invalid than any of the officers
of your acquaintance. He has been unwell for several
weeks and now looks very badly — I fear that he wiU be
an invalid for several weeks. He appears to have one
of those lingering, undecided kinds of fever, a species
of typhoid. Capt. Wall of the 3rd is severely afflicted
with an ugly cough, which may lead to something
worse. When we reach Mexico we shall have time to
recruit — the climate wiU prove more congenial to us, I
hope, than that of this place.
I have not told you that Derr is now my cook; he
is highly delighted at every meal by the praises I be-
stow on his skill. The fact is, he looks to me for
instruction, and I am not entirely disinterested in the
bestowal of encomiums on our cooking.
In Mexico 249
Thiirsday, 15th. I saw the Genl. this morning,
returning from the review of the 2nd Twiggs Division.
He looked remarkably well. In consequence of the
absence of our Brigadier, the review of the ist Division
will take place on Monday; the Division of Vols.,
Genl. Pillow, will be on the 17th.
Capt. Kearney went as far as Rio Frio, twelve
leagues (say thirty miles) from Mexico. He then
overtook (having dispatched an Indian after him to
check his progress) Genl. Canalizo, who was hastening,
with about seventy Dragoons, towards Mexico, to
announce, tmdoubtedly, the approach of the whole
American Army. Genl. Canalizo received the General's
despatches, and wotild not allow either of our Ofiicers
to convey them to the City. Capt. Kearney, I learn,
reports that the road is not in a bad state, and that there
are no obstructions on it.
The Mexican Congress is reported to be in session —
a quorum having been finally obtained. We may soon
learn their determination. God grant that it may
be pacific — though I fear that it wUl not be. If they
reject our overtures I think that we shall advance upon,
and probably, after a bloody struggle, take the City,
there to remain tiU fall, or for further advices and
reinforcements from the United States.
This being the great market day, I walked through
the City this morning, and find a few changes since I
last mentioned visiting it. The peaches and pears are
much improved, some of them are quite good — there
is a very large pear, very juicy, which I never saw in
the United States and which I shall attempt to intro-
duce. The seed of a large snowy white onion I wish
also to prociire. Pineapples and oranges were more
abundant to-day than they have been for some weeks.
250 An Artillery Officer
Of the infinite variety of beans, I have already secured
several.
I experimented to-day by putting some of the
young leaves of one of the varieties of the cactus in
my soup ; it is a tolerably good substitute for the ochre.
There were some fine large citron, and a few figs in
market, the first I have seen. Green com has occasion-
ally been seen for the past three weeks, it is small with
black grains. Snap beans and green peas I must not
omit, nor squashes, etc.
Of their curiosities, I have not mentioned, I think,
one among the horse-trappings; it is a piece of heavy
leather running back from the saddle, and fitting the
form of the horse hangs about half way down his
thighs ; the lower part is cut into seven strips, the ends
of which are ornamented with chains, or pieces of iron ;
the whole surface of the leather is pressed or stamped
and variously ornamented.
The Spanish carriage is a very heavy thing hung by
strong leather straps, which pass over heavy wooden
braces, about two feet above the axletrees; the fore
wheels about one third as large as the hind ones — they
are drawn by two mules in the City, but when travel-
ling you sometimes see three or four hitched abreast
before the two "wheel-mules" and again two more in
the lead. Each set of mules has generally its driver;
the traces are generally rope made of twisted raw hide.
As I am describing, I must not forget an "Arriero"
who serenades us twice a week with his drove of mules,
each of which has around its neck one large and two
smaller-sized bells, giving the most discordant sounds
bells ever gave.
These men are the greatest packers in the world^
these poor animals look like pigmies tmder the immense
In Mexico 251
loads they bear. The common Mexican is nearly the
equal, however, of his patient ass, as he carries weights
we would never dream of placing on the backs of our
slaves. Their mode of carrying burthens I described
in a letter from Tampico, — a strap over the forehead;
the women place the strap over the upper part of the
chest.
Saturday, 17th. Last night I?dined with Col. Butler,
S.C., and returned at so late an hour that I did not
think it prudent to sit up later. When I received an
invitation in the morning, I thought it was to make
one of a little party, which would separate at an early
hour, or I would have taken my evening's chat with you
before going, and was very much surprised to find a
long table arranged for a regular dinner party. Genl.
Scott was invited, but did not attend.
Among my friends at the table I mention Maj.
Smith, Engineers, Dr. Lawson, Capts. Irwin and Huger,
Capts. Screven and Myers. We had a very pleasant
party, having a respectable sitting of five hours — eating
and drinking was interspersed with songs and toasts.
Genl. Clinch was enthusiastically toasted, also Genl.
Scott. The evening passed as pleasantly as it could
with those who were far from wife, children, and home.
The supper or dinner was a plain one — tiu-keys, chickens,
ham, rice, com bread, chicken salad, sardines, fruit,
pie, oranges, peanuts, cacahuate, sherry and claret
wines, with a bottle of brandy, and I believe I have
named the articles on the table. But as we have been
sufficiently long at the table, let us leave it, and come
to the details of to-day.
By appointment of last night, I breakfasted with Lt.
Col. Dickerson, S. C, and about eight o'clock started
252 An Artillery Officer
with a party of S. C. Officers for Cholula. After a ride
of about one hour and a half, as pleasant as a ride on a
sorry scrub of a horse permitted, we rode to the top of
the celebrated pyramid of Cholula.
Humboldt (according to Thompson) states the base
of this pyramid to be 1440 feet (square), its height 177
feet, and the area of the top to be 45,210 square feet.
You see distinctly the separations of the strata of the
large earthen cakes (sunburnt bricks, Thompson calls
them) of which it was built, and find in them an infinite
number of pieces of broken earthen ware.
Grotesque, rudely formed stone images are found in
the plain ; some of them I will try to procure to take
home. The view of the church, which crowns the
pyramid, as you approach it, at about the distance of a
mile from it, is very fine ; on the left you see the snow-
covered peak of the highest mountain in Mexico,
Popocatepetl, and the background to the church and
pyramid is the mountain of Iztaccihuatl.
The view from the top of this church is exceedingly
beautiful — on every side extends a very rich plain,
regularly laid out in fields now under cultivation in
com, which is in various stages, from the tender stock
to that now in roasting ears ; the eye tracing through the
plain the meandering course of a small river running
between us and Puebla; whilst in the distance, on one
side you see the lofty steeples of the Cathedral of
Puebla, the Church of Guadalupe, the hill beyond it
like a watch tower, and a Httle to the right rises
Malinche, where stood the Capital of the Republic of
Tlascala, which, Cortes says, contained five hundred
thousand freeholders.
Smaller and nameless (as far as I know) mountains
form the limits to yotir view in other directions, till
a
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In Mexico 253
you cast your eyes towards the snowy mountains
above mentioned, where around the base of the pyramid
on that side stand the immense ruins of the large
City of Choliola built by the Spaniards. Among the
huge walls still standing, you see several churches, some
now open for worship, others closed. The City covered
more ground than Puebla now does.
The present City of Cholula is close to the base of
the pyramid, and is not seen till you rise the hill formed
by the cutting of the road through the base of the
pyramid. Beyond the ruins, and much nearer than the
mountains, projects a volcanic mountain, the crater
of which is distinctly marked.
Would that I could give you such a description as
woiild present these views plainly to your mind's eye —
you would be delighted — but I cannot. The pyramid
is ascended by a good road which winds along two sides
of its faces, to the top ; the sides are now closely covered
with bushes and small shrubs.
I brought two specimens of Indian embroidery
from the Chxu-ch of the Pyramid — rude enough, but
they wiU be interesting as being made there by an
Indian woman.
On my return I foiond Capt. Burke in Barracks with
his Command. By the bye, Maj. Harvey Brown, who
commanded the Escort (4th Arty.), to-day requested
to be particularly remembered to Mrs. Clinch, your
father, and yourself.
News to-day from Mexico is of great importance.
Genl. Santa Anna's Govt, is pursuing vigorous measiu-es
towards some of his Generals. Genl. Ampudia has
been sent under an escort to Cuemavaca; Genl. Al-
monte has been ordered to march to Tulancingo in
twenty-four hours, and has been refused the assistance
254 An Artillery Officer
necessary for the journey, and Genl. Avista has been
violently carried to the fortress of Acapulco. Enough
for to-night. Good-night,
Sunday, i8th. No news to-day — ^but a rumor that
Genl. Pierce left, or was to have left Vera Cruz on
last Wednesday. Mr. Hargous, an American merchant,
who has been residing several years in this country,
offers to bet any amount of money that peace will be
proclaimed in two months. I wish, in this case, that
my losing a few hundred dollars would secure that
result, and I would most willingly lose a year's pay to
secure so great a gain. What Mr. Hargous founds
his hopes upon, I know not, but I fear that he is too
sanguine.
Among the sights of yesterday, I did not include the
Mexican ploughman. The plough is a simple block,
shod with iron, terminating in a point, having a single
handle which the man holds with his right hand, his
left hand guiding and urging his two oxen by means of
a goad, a long reed, having an iron spike four or five
inches long on its small end. I also saw a party of
Mexicans spading up some groimd; the spade is made
of wood, the blade having merely a border of iron.
Everything here is of fashions centuries old. The mules
are generally hitched, or rather harnessed to the carts
as our oxen are, supporting the weight of the tongue by
means of a bar and collars or bows.
I went this morning to see some of my sick friends.
I found Lt. Anderson quite indisposed, several others
of the 2nd Arty, are more or less unwell. Capt. De Hart
has been taken to the house occupied by Genl. Worth —
he will there be closely and well attended by Dr. Satter-
lee.
In Mexico 255
I have not mentioned my own health, it is because I
have had no more chills to report ; to-morrow morning,
wiU be seven days since my last attempt to have one ;
if I escape it then, I shall feel pretty safe. I have a
grand appetite, and am ready to eat my allowance at
every meal, but I must restrain, as I am convinced that
we do not require here as much food as is necessary in
colder climates. I met the two Doctors Steiner day
before yesterday — the older has been very ill, but
is now convalescing ; they came up with Genl. Pillow's
Command.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of Dr. Suter's company
on my return from Cholula. He is very well; his
last letters from Mrs. Suter were from Washington,
where she was with his father's family — the Doctor's
son, Charley, had consented to go with her. I did not
ask the Dr. but presume that she is on her way to her
mother's.
Howard has just told me that an express expected to
start in a short time for Vera Cruz, so that I wiU write
a short note — they take none others — to-morrow, merely
to tell you that I am weU. My regular series I will
retain till I find a sure and safe conveyance. You
woidd have (could I now send what I have written)
enough reading for a month, as I find I cannot foUow
the rule I prescribed for myself, of writing a few lines
every night. I wiU, at all events, close for this night,
praying that God may continue the guard and guide
of my wife. Good-night.
Monday, 19th. I wrote a note to you very hastily
this morning, to take its chance by an express, when
one goes. Under the fear, I may say expectation, of
its being intercepted by the Mexicans, it was filled with
256 An Artillery Officer
commonplace expressions. I am unwilling that they
should read in it anything they could laugh and jeer
over. This writing to you, every night, ruins my style
as an ordinary letter writer, for now I make no attempt
at condensation, writing whatever occurs to me, and
not digesting the sentences. To a wife, this is perhaps
excusable, but not so with any one else.
Genl. Scott reviewed our Division to-day — I did not
attend, because this being the seventh day since my
chill, I was advised by the Dr. not to go out. As I
anticipated, the Division did not make as fine a dis-
play as Genl. Twiggs's did. Our Genl. has not had
us in the field as frequently as he ought.
Two rumors from Mexico to-day — one that they are
fighting in the City, where a pronvmciamiento has been
made against Santa Anna, and the other that the
Congress has adjourned, having given Santa Anna
power to make a treaty. A day or two will enlighten
us as to the credibiHty either report is entitled to.
I may mention, though, that we are endeavoring to
organize a monthly express to Vera Cruz, the men to
take a certain number of letters, each written on half
a sheet of fine paper. As soon as the arrangement is
made, I shall, without discontinuing this series, com-
mence a new one. I fear that in my attempt to get a
great deal on my half sheet, I may compel you to put
spectacles on, to decipher my writing.
I called to see Dr. Harney this morning, and was
pleased to see him looking well. His slight wotind
gives him some trouble, and will do so for a long time;
the ball struck one of the bones just above the ankle
joint. His general health appears to be perfectly
restored. He advises me to take a pill of quinine daily ;
I followed his advice to-day, and it has passed without
In Mexico 257
a chill. Mr. Judd still looks badly, but slowly improves,
I think. The drumraer boy is nearly well.
Tuesday, 20th, after tattoo. I have just sent to Genl.
Worth's Hd. Qrs. another letter to take its chance by
an express, which starts to-night. Good luck attend
our messenger; we know that the chances are against
us, but stUl, should only one in twenty reach you, I
shall be richly repaid by learning that you have again
heard from me. Regarding that letter as part of my
evening's talk with you, I shall say but a few words more.
Report tells to-day, that Santa Anna has appointed
Commissioners — Nous verrons. The Q. M. has at last
furnished me with a horse; he is very showy, but too
high-spirited for an Officer whose duties at drill take
him among the soldiers. I shaU have to exchange him
for another. I called at Genl. Scott's Quarters to see
Capt. De Hart ; he is there, instead of being at Genl.
Worth's; he looks very badly, but is convalescent.
Good-night, and happy dreams to you.
Wednesday, 21st. Thus far, no chill. To-day I
have accomplished a duty to which I should have
attended some days ago, that of making some calls on
my brother Kentuckians — Capt. Pope, Rifles, was the
only one at home. He was formerly a lawyer of
Louisville, who found it more agreeable to spend his
time pleasantly with his friends than to attend to the
dry business of the Court rooms, and consequently his
clients looked elsewhere for a business man.
Captain is, I am sorry to say it, under arrest,
and will be arraigned for trial to-morrow morning,
charged with indulging too freely and frequently in
the social glass, and in some instances when on duty.
17
258 An Artillery Officer
I fear that his case is a very bad one. I will attend his
trial for the sake of his father, whom I esteem most
dearly. His counsel is Lt. Col. Tom Moore, 2nd
Dragoons.
I called on Col. Andrews of the Voltigeurs ; he is, I
fancy, sorry that he left his comfortable berth in Wash-
ington for this service. In his Regt. there is one
Kentucky Capt. whose family I know, and I think
that I know him, Capt. Churchill; he was on drill.
I then called on Col. Butler, and some other South
Carolina Vols. Thus, you see that I have accomplished
a good deal.
Every person is on the qui vive this afternoon, as
it is expected, with what reason I do not hear, that we
either move in two days, or not imtil the fall. Capt.
R. Lee, Engineers, expressed his fears last evening that
he would not have an opportunity of visiting the City
of Mexico. He is no idle prattler, and speaks not
without reflection.
No. 17. PxjEBLA, Mexico.
Thursday, July 22, '47.
I went to the Court room this morning, and was
very much pleased to learn that Genl. Scott had per-
mitted the charges against Capt. to be with-
drawn. I hope the clemency now shewn him may
not be without good results.
A flag came to Genl. Scott this morning, from Mexico,
in answer to his application, or demand, for the return
of certain prisoners. The Genl. told me that the an-
swer was favorable, that it is written in good temper.
I had a long talk with friend Kirby this morning —
he thinks that chances are decidedly in favor of peace,
that they are nearly equal to nine out of ten against
In Mexico 259
it. He is not apt to jump to strange or wrong conclu-
sions ; he is indeed very cautious, usually, in the expres-
sion of his opinion, and, knowing from the Genl.
himself that the data on which the Major formed his
opinion were obtained from the Genl., this opinion has
great weight with me. But stUl I cannot indulge the
delightful hope of peace, even when presented from such
a source. I can place no confidence in the doings of
this Govt, or of their constituted authorities.
To one opinion of the Major's I do fully consent,
which is that if the Mexicans do not now consent to,
and conclude, a treaty of peace, that the war must
continue for a long and indefinite period. We cannot
again offer the olive branch. Two rude rejections
will bar us from making another.
Certain it is, that, as yet, neither Congress nor Santa
Anna have answered Mr. Trist's letter. The officer
who bore the flag embraced one of the General's aids,
drank to peace, and called him his "friend." All
this may well be diplomatique.
We must soon advance, if the Govt, comes to no
decision or to an unfavorable one on Secy. Buchanan's
proposal, submitted through Mr. Trist, proposing that
Commissioners be appointed to confer with Mr. T.
on the terms of a treaty. To-morrow, or the next
day, we may hear something interesting from the
City. No news of Genl. Pierce's march. Good-night.
Friday, 23rd. Genl. S. told me confidentially, to-
day, that there was a slight prospect of the opening of
negotiations with the Mexican Govt. The facts are
these. Genl. S. A., as you know, sent Mr. Buchanan's
letter to Congress; this body resolved to play a game
of shuttlecock with the President: returned it to him
26o An Artillery Officer
stating that, by the Constitution, the initiatory steps
in the consideration of treaties were assigned to the
Executive.
Genl. Santa Anna's rejoinder has been received, in
which he informs the Congress that he does not require
any instructions from them in relation to his duties,
that he did not send the letter to them for any further
action on their part than for them to rescind the re-
solution passed at the close of their last Session, declar-
ing any Mexican a traitor to his country who would
listen to, or receive any proposals of peace; that he
knows by the Constitution of 1824 this duty was im-
posed on the Executive. He tells them that the ques-
tion now presented for the consideration of the Mexicans
should be solemnly and wisely deliberated upon, and
that it should be answered either affirmatively or
negatively. It is said to be the best paper he has
issued.
Some of the Members of Congress, alarmed probably
at the dilemma in which they have placed themselves,
have left the City. Santa Anna is preparing, in the
event of Congress' adjourning without rescinding
their unconstitutional resolution, to have a pronun-
ciamiento declaring himself Dictator. The Army is
not yet ready for this; but it is thought that he will,
soon, as he has placed Congress so decidedly in the
wrong, seize the supreme power. A few days more
and all these schemes must work out results either
favorable to, or destructive of Santa Anna. Genl.
Santa Anna's order of the 19th inst. was received here
to-day. He orders that the firing of a cannon in the
place d'armes will be the signal of the approach of the
troops, that at this all the bands shall play, and that
all the military shall retire to their Quarters, and there
In Mexico 261
await instructions; no one to leave except on service,
no carriages to pass through the streets, no horseman
to be in the streets unless the military on duty, no
one to leave the gates of the City, but women who may
have brought in coal or provisions, all the shops to
be closed, but those of the provision markets and where
bread is sold. He prefaces this decree by a strong
abuse of us, and an exhortation to the Mexican Army
to restore the lost lustre of their Military fame, etc.
To-morrow I dine with the General.
Saturday, 24th. We had to-day a true Yankee dish,
one I did not expect to see so far in the interior of Mex-
ico — codfish and the usual accompaniments. Though
there were meats and fowl on the table, all were good
Yankees enough to take no meat after the soup — mak-
ing a simple but good dinner.
Capt. N of Phila., ex -member of Congress,
was present. He is just recovering from a severe fit
of illness. His mind is as weak as his body. He was
strongly disposed to deliver us a Congressional discourse
upon every subject introduced — one of those men,
who, when they begin to talk, cast their eyes around
to catch the eyes of others, and to force attention from
as many as possible to their remarks. I am very fond
of modesty, and never allow such orators of the table
or room to entrap me, if I can decently avoid it.
Genl. Scott confidently expects news of great interest
from Mexico in two or three days. Mr. Trist has
requested the Genl. to delay our advance, at least imtil
Genl. Pierce arrives, as he thinks something favorable
to peace may occiir in that time.
As I occasionally mention incidents which are strange
and new, I will here allude to one which attracted my
262 An Artillery Officer
attention this morning. I was lying down, and hearing
the occasional tinkle of a little bell, I went to the win-
dow to see what it was. I there saw two common
Mexicans at their Httle market, in front of my window,
one having on his back a box three by two feet, the
double door of which was opened and presented, ttimed
as he rang his bell, towards the market women; as it
was thus presented to each group, they advanced
towards it, and, bending forward, kissed an artificial
flower in front of the glass, or the glass itself. The duty
of the second Mexican was to open and close the door,
and to receive the contributions' given by nearly every
one, the fruit and vegetables, tortillas (cakes made of
Indian com) in his basket, and the money in a small
tin box having a slit in the top.
The large box had an image of an angel with an
infant by his side — the sides of the interior of the box
ornamented with flowers. Every one gives something;
one three onions, another a pear, another a banana,
etc., and the tortilla sellers gave each one of their
small flat cakes.
I have frequently heard this bell about eight at night,
but did not know what it was rung for. The little
tin money box I have frequently seen offered to the
market people to kiss — mothers invariably raising
their children up to kiss it also. It has a painting of
the Virgin or some favorite saint of the church to which
it belongs, and always gathers a few clakos (one and
a half cents) from these poor Indians.
I think I have told you that the tortillas were made
of Indian com, soaked in Hme water to remove the skin,
and then grotmd by rubbing it by a long stone roller,
or pin, on a small flat iron stone resembling a table.
This appears to be the Mexican mill; the woman
In Mexico 263
sits, having the slope towards her, and with the pin
in her hands, she mashes the grain, keeping it
moist till she forms a fine paste, which is baked in
an earthen dish, placed on charcoal biiming in an
earthen furnace — all Mexican utensils for cooking,
carrying, or holding water, etc., are made of an excel-
lent earthen ware.
Their spoons are either rudely made of wood, or
part of a calabash, and frequently I see them using
the tortilla as a spoon, bending it so as to hold a small
quantity of their broths or stews, which are the ways
they generally cook their food, in which they use red
pepper very freely. I must confess that I have had
no desire to eat what they prepare. I see daily exhibited
by the market women scenes disgustingly filthy.
Sunday, 25th.
Another Sabbath, and all uncertainty about our
movements. As late as four P.M. yesterday, Genl. S.
was doubtful whether we would advance. I called at
his Quarters this afternoon, but he was at church, and
I did not see him. Capt. Myers' clerk told me that the
Quartermasters had received orders to have every-
thing ready for the advance of the Army in four
days.
We will not, I am confident, leave this City until
the arrival, or near approach of Genl. Pierce, and he
will not arrive, supposing him to have left on the i6th
as reported, before the ist or 5th of August. It may
well be, that Genl. Scott and Mr. Trist have received
intelligence of the state of parties in the Capital, [such]
as to make it expedient, or necessary, for us to approach
it. A few more days of doubt, and all will probably be
certainty — no half-way measures, either peace or a war
264 An Artillery Officer
changed, in its character, from that which we have been
conducting upon the most civiHzed principles.
Genl. Pierce may, however, bring instructions from
the Home Govt, altering all the schemes and plans we
have been dreaming over in our quiescent state.
Capt. De Hart spent the day with us ; he is improving,
but as has been the case with all who have been pro-
strated by disease in this Coxmtry, it will be some weeks
before he will be sufficiently well to attend to duty.
I saw Lt. Anderson out yesterday. Genl. Worth looks
badly again. The sick list of our Army is now slightly
above 2000 — a very considerable and important change
in the strength of our force, where we are, at least, in
need of all our bayonets. The spirit of our troops is,
however, most excellent, and they will deserve success.
Lt. Judd has just left our Quarters, and has, I am
pleased to hear, improved sufficiently to enable him
to take his seat at table.
Howard tells me that my letter of the i8th was
dispatched last night ; success attend it. I will not com-
mence another sheet this evening. Good-night.
Monday, 26th.
Most unreasonable and ill-timed kindness in two
sets of visitors has made it so late before I could take
my seat to converse with you, that I shall soon be com-
pelled to make my bow, very soon. From orders
issued to the different departments of the Staff, it is
certainly intended that we shall leave this City as soon
as Genl. Pierce gets within a few days' march of it —
that is, the leading Division will start, to be followed
by the others in successive days, so timed that Genl.
Pierce will reach here the day before the last Division
will start.
In Mexico 265
If we have a fight near the City, it will probably be
the great battle of the Mexican War. Pride to save
their Capital from our grasp, a desire to revenge
their repeated disastrous defeats, will urge them to
exert their powers to the utmost.
Our soldiery, flushed with victory, will, I am con-
vinced, do more than mere duty calls for. Could they
for one moment doubt of success, they must see that as
we are situated, victory must be ours — a drawn battle
even will not suflSce. We must, we, with the blessing
of God, will conquer.
Genl. Scott heard yesterday that the Mexican Con-
gress would do nothing — it is not expected that they
will answer Santa Anna's last message to them, in which
he gives them a lecture in relation to their course in
instructing him in his duties.
The news from Hd. Qrs. is still favorable — every-
thing promises fair. If the Mexican Congress does
not ruin owe prospects, we may yet be home before
winter.
Tuesday, 27th.
So great is the uncertainty as to Genl. Pierce's
whereabouts, etc., so numerous the reports about his
being harassed in his advance, that Genl. S. sent a
Brigade, Genl. Persifer Smith's, with Duncan's Battery,
and a squadron of Cavalry to communicate with him.
Genl. S. is one of the most prudent commanders I
ever served under. Instead of wearing his troops out
by issuing orders for them to hold themselves in readi-
ness, on the circulation of every report about the
enemy's approach, he has each case examined by some
persons whom he can trust, and thus quietly exposes
the falsity, or verifies the truth, of the rumor.
266 An Artillery Officer
I heaxd him, a few days since, on Col. Hitchcock's
mentioning a report that has been made of the arrival
of some troops at Atlbcco, say that he must get the
Capt. of his Bandits to enquire into it — that twenty
false reports might be made about the enemy, and that
if we failed to enquire into the twenty-first, which
afterwards proved true, as military men we would
richly deserve censure.
We have in our pay a Compy. of Mexicans who are
called the Forty Thieves; they are, I expect some of the
gentlemen robbers Thompson mentions. They were
asked, the other day, if they woiild not be afraid of
being murdered by their countrymen for acting with
us, after we left the Country, and their Captain's
answer was: "That is our business, we will take care
of ourselves." They are very useful in getting in-
formation, etc., and are used individually or collect-
ively, as their services are required. The Capt. says
he can increase his band to 1500 or 2000, if a greater
number be wanted than he now has.
This afternoon, I went with Lt. Johnson to an "Old
Curiosity Shop," where I purchased a Catholic Bible,
1742 A.D., for Brother William. Mr. J. ptirchased a
similar one for himself; he says that it is a present
which William will prize very highly. Do not think
that my old mania of purchasing books and pictures
has again beset me — you would admire the cool non-
chalance with which I examine choice old books, etc.,
which can be purchased very cheap here, and cannot
be procured in the United States. I must, on leaving
this Country, purchase some curiosities for you.
A party leaves the City at seven in the morning,
to visit Cholula, but, as I have been there, I will
remain, so that Capt. Burke may go. Since the pay-
In Mexico 267
ments were made, our sick list has increased; we have
now 2200 on the sick report.
One word about the customs of the Coimtry, before
stopping. The market and common women address
us as nino (child) ; whether this is a term of endearment
or not, I cannot say. I did not understand them as
calhng me so, until I found it was usually done. You
refuse to give the price asked, and walk off, when you
are frequently called back by that word, to take the
article at your own price. Good-night.
Wednesday, 28th.
Unfortunately, I have been placed on a Court of
Enquiry, demanded by Col. Riley, who avers that
injustice has been done his Brigade in Genl. Twiggs's
report, and in those of some of the sub-commanders
in Genl. Twiggs's Division.
I fear that the personal feelings of Col. Harney have
become interested in this matter, as he claims the
storming and carrying of the height called by us Cerro
Gordo, by Santa Anna, Telegraph HiU — whereas
Riley states that his Command charged the hill in re-
verse, at the same time Harney charged it in front;
both may be right, and I hope that this may be so
decided by the evidence.
The other points are easily established, or contra-
dicted; one is that Genl. Twiggs gives to Col. Baker,
lU. Vols., the credit of taking a Battery Col. RUey
avers was won by his own Regt. His Court are Maj.
Genl. Pillow, Brig. Genl. Cadwalader, Col. Clarke, 5th
Infy., and Capt. Anderson, Recorder.
I care very little about the labor of writing as much
as I will have to do, did I not fear that it will materially
interfere with my evenings' conversations with you.
268 An Artillery Officer
No one who is not as regular in his habits as I am can
conceive of the pleasure with which I nightly resume
my daily scrawls to you.
I have advised many of my friends who are home-
sick, and, to kill time, resort to rather expensive
habits, to pursue the same plan, assuring them that
they would soon derive benefit and gratification from
it. It brings me, as it were, near to and in communion
regularly with you, before retiring to bed. Writing to
you is always, when I am well and not prevented by
urgent business, the last work of the day, and is gener-
ally finished on retiring for the night.
I may be so much exhausted by my duties as Re-
corder of this Court, as to shorten our discourses very
considerably. This may be advantageous, as I find
that I write now a great deal about nothing. Not a
report in them to-day from Mexico.
Thursday, 29th.
Though the time for retiring has passed, and I
have not yet finished my labors, I must have a
short chat. I am happy to report that the misun-
derstanding between Colonels Harney and Riley is, I
think, from the testimony of to-day, likely to be
solved by the Court in a manner probably grateful
to the feelings of both. Col. Riley's report alludes to
carrying a crest of the Telegraph Hill, lower than the
principal crest carried by Col. Harney, not at all the
same point, but at some distance from it. And again
it appears that Col. Riley's Command took three guns
of one of the enemy's Batteries simultaneously with the
carrying of two of the same Battery (but at a distance
of some sixty yards) by some Vols, to whom Genl. '
Twiggs ascribes the credit of taking the Battery.
In Mexico 269
Should there be no conflicting evidence, we shall
soon finish, and I shall rejoice at there being no just
grounds for finding serious fault with either Harney's
or Riley's reports.
I dined with the Genl. to-day, no news. A messen-
ger is to be despatched towards Mexico to-morrow,
with what communication I know not.
Friday, 30th.
The Court has proceeded very well to-day. Why
other evidence is desired unless it be intended to collect
under oath material for a history of the battles, I know
not. I see the points made by Col. Riley already
clearly settled by the evidence. I fear that we may be
drawn into other matters. I must keep a good lookout
to guard against this.
It would seem from the rumors from Mexico, that the
prospect of peace which began to lighten up a few days
since, has disappeared, and that over the lovely land-
scape we thought we could get a gHmpse of, now hangs
the dark and threatening cloud of War.
The Mexican Congress of the 13th inst. sent what
they called their ultimatum, on the question of peace
or war, which we received in print to-day. This must
be the paper alluded to in my date of the 24th inst.
It is quite learned in constitutional law; they char-
acterize OUT invasion as the most unjust of all aggres-
sions, and say, "The people are resolved not to
consent to an ignominious treaty, which will secure to
our neighbors the possession of usurped territory and
with it the dominion of the Continent, closing at the
same time our political life in such maimer that we
shall not deserve even the compassion of other people ; — ■
that the Congress has always resisted everything
270 An Artillery Officer
which seemed to open the door of peace, which would
now be, in every way, disgraceful, and has not omitted
zeal or precaution to prevent even the remotest danger
of that disaster."
Pretty strong language — but the very men who
adopted that language by a vote of fifty-two to twenty-
two, might the next day consent to a treaty of peace.
Heavy bribes would, I have no doubt, if our Govt,
would stoop so low as to offer them, buy a majority
of these patriots. I wish I could witness the regenera-
tion of the Mexicans proper. But alas, they bend their
necks to the yoke of the Spanish dons, without thinking
of their miserably degraded state. It will take a
century to rouse them from their torpor, and to make
them feel that they are free — 't is mockery to speak of
Mexico as a Republic. The common laborers of the
Country are slaves more lost in every point of \'iew
than our negroes; these are the men who would be
among the voters. Alas, alas! Having finished my
homily, I will bid you good-night, as you must be
sleepy after reading it.
Saturday night, July 31st.
I cannot retire without saying a few, they must be a
very few, words, as I have been busily engaged, to-
night, in bringing up my papers, so that I may have
a holiday to-morrow. I fear we shall be engaged a
day or two longer, as Col. Riley insists upon intro-
ducing a good deal of unimportant matter, and it is
hard to check him. Genl. Scott visited Cholula to-day.
Genl. Pierce has been heard from; he was at Jalapa.
Sunday, August ist.
Another month has passed, and another Sabbath
In Mexico 271
has come, finding me by the mercy of God still sensible
of His great mercies.
The news from Mexico, as derived from the papers,
is not in the least degree favorable to peace. On the
27th they mention C'lcnl. Santa Anna consulting his
principal ofRcers as to the question whether our pro-
positions relative to effecting peace ought to be con-
sidered or not; placing their Govt, at once "in a position
the most hostile." Genl. Valencia asked permission
"to take 12,000 men and dislodge Genl. Scott from
Puebla. " What a pity the Council did not let him
come! The middle of the month will probably decide
how much the gallant Genl. can accomphsh in con-
tending with our Army.
'T is strange that Santa Anna, if he has any thoughts
of peace, propounded the alternative of peace or war
to his Army Officers. They, of course, desire the War
to continue — little care they for their bleeding soldiery,
their nearly exliausted Treasury, if they can be kept
in office and well paid; the latter they will attend to
themselves.
The laborers, the merchants, the men of wealth, and
lastly, but not the least interesting in my eyes, the
poor and oppressed peasantry may one and all ardently
desire to taste again the sweets of peace, but long
will be the time ere their wislies are gratified, if Genl.
Santa Anna and his Army are to decide when the War
is to end.
The more I think of our position, so far into the
enemy's country, operating against them with Armies
on so many points, and with forces so exceedingly
small; when the results accomplished by them are
considered, and tlius far, without a serious reverse, I
begin to Hken our position to that of some of the
'^1^ An Artillery Officer
Armies whose exploits are recorded in the Bible, and
hope that our operations are blessed by God, whose
instruments we may be, to effect some wise scheme of
His providence.
Why is this Nation now so stubborn? Never was
a war conducted before in a manner so little abhorrent
to all man's finer feelings. We have been now in this
large City since May 15th, with a soldiery gathered
from many Nations, many of them undisciplined, and
yet, I wUl venttire the assertion, without fear of con-
tradiction, that, in no City of the same size, either in
our own blessed Country or in any other, is private
property, or are private rights, more secure and better
guarded than here.
And our Courts, before which aU offences of a nature
in the least serious, against persons, property, or good
morals, pretty surely come, wiU show that they have
not been engaged in trying higher offences. Not an
instance, I am certain, has been elicited, or brought
to light, of one of oiu- soldiers killing a Mexican.
And since pay day, though we have many men
daily drunk in the streets, and they are frequently
insulting, only one case of a man's being killed in the
street has occurred — and that might have been by some
of his comrades. 'T is truly wonderful, I cannot
understand it.
We hear of the movement of no more troops. Can it
be that the Govt, thinks that Genl. Scott can conquer
all Mexico with 8500 men; for we cannot leave this
place with a larger force even after being joined by
Genl. Pierce, as a heavy garrison must be left here
with our sick.
Genl. S. has written another bitter, truth-telling
letter to the Secy, of War, giving vent to his just
In Mexico 273
indignation in terms that will excite strong feelings
among the little men in Wasliington. He asks no
favor. Enough for to-night. God be with you.
Monday night, August and.
Only one word, for really I am so tired of writing
that I cannot write. We had an afternoon session to-
day, and though the Court give me no additional time
■to bring up proceedings, I am determined they shall
find all right when we meet. Not a word of news, but
that Midsliipman Rogers, so long in tlie hands of the
Mexicans, is now here. Wliat news he brings, I Icnow
not. I hope that we shall finisli in one daj^ more, to
enable me to resume my chat •uith you. Good-night.
Tuesday, August 3rd.
Thank God, I have received letters from jj-ou. They
tell of your apprehensions about me. Oh, mj^ wife,
how full is my heart of gratitude to our Heavenl)'
Father. He stayed, and, I hope, has dissipated, your
burning fever, and over me He has ahvaj-s His pro-
tecting shield. AMiat can we do without Him? Oh!
let us iiewT cease to praise His holy name.
The mail came in very unexpectedlj'- bringing me
your letters of tlie lotli, iStli, and 20th, the latter
gi\ing me ne^^ to tlie 24th. I can \^Tite no more to-
night. That Almighty God wiU continue to guard
and protect you is my earnest pra5'^er, and ever with
me. an abiding, a sootliing, happy hope and beUef.
Good-night.
Wednesday, 4th.
Ha\'ing finislied the proceedings of our Court, I
took them to Genl. Scott, and, on his invitation,
274 An Artillery Officer
remained to sup with him. Supper was followed, about
ten o'clock, by some hot whiskey pimch. I knew that
the punch would be excellent, and the company was
good; my most esteemed host, Genl. Quitinda (a
gentleman), Cadwalader (whom yotir Father knows),
Mr. Trist, Captains Huger and Drum, and Maj. Kirby
and I remained tUl punch time.
The Army is to commence its advance upon Mexico
this week. Genl. Pierce will arrive early the 6th inst.
Major Gaines arrived this evening, having effected
his escape from the enemy. Good-night.
Thursday, 5th.
The order for our advance is issued. Genl. Twiggs's
Division marches Saturday, 7th; Quitman's Simday;
Worth's Monday; and Pillow's Tuesday, loth. Col.
Childs remaining here as Governor, and Capt. De Hart,
just convalescent, as Lt. Governor. Every Officer and
man incapable of performing three days' march, to be
left, and organized into Companies, Regiments, etc., as
they may be reported fit for garrison duty; the per-
manent garrison is not yet named.
This order, will, I presume, send our very amiable
Lt. Col. to us again. God knows what the result of
this movement may be. The Govt, has left us without
funds, and our Staff Depts. are deeply in debt. In
Mexico it is said that drafts on New York, etc., can be
readily converted into cash. We must then perforce
go there, and raise the wind, though we may have to
pass through a heavy storm ere we can get at the cash.
Lt. Thom, Geiil. Pierce's A.D.C., says that they
received information, after their being some days in
march, that six vessels had arrived at Vera Cruz, sub-
sequent to their departure, so that we may soon have
In Mexico 275
another re-enforcement. Genl. P. brings us about
2500, including 300 Marines — the latter are very-
acceptable, as they are always good troops.
I fear that two of my notes to you have been lost, as
I learn that two carriers, taking letters to Vera Cruz,
have been taken, one hung, and the other's throat
cut. I will continue to try all who venture, as one may
be lucky enough to escape, and thus give you a line
from me.
Lt. Welch, 3rd Arty., will join to-morrow, with some
recruits of Capt. Btinker's Compy. Lt. Thorn tells
us that my old friend Maj. Gait looks badly. I shall
be most happy to take him by the hand, and regret
that he comes not in good health, as his merry laugh is
refreshing. We have not many good laughers among us
now; thoughts of home, and the dreadful uncertainty
of when we shall return to all we love on earth, are
silvering many a head. God's will be done. He knows
best all things.
Father is right about ; he came into Genl. S.'s
Quarters last night, fully two-thirds drunk. I was
vexed and mortified to death.
Friday, 6th.
Genl. Pierce arrived with his Command, and I am
happy in being able to say that friend Major Gait looks
better than I expected to see him. I called, this after-
noon, to see some of the Marines. Their Commander,
Lt. Col. Watson, I knew some years since at Ports-
mouth, N. H., and two of the Captains, Reynolds and
Baker, are former acquaintances. I hoped that they
would be assigned to otir Division but they have been
attached to Genl. Quitman's Brigade.
Ours is, I believe, now the strongest Brigade in the
276 An Artillery Officer
Army, — it would therefore have been unreasonable
to have added to our strength.
By the bye, I heard to-day that Genl. Worth had
written to Genl. Scott a half apologetic letter, upon
which Genl. Scott, as he always does, jumped over all
that had passed, and they are again reconciled. I hope
it may be sincere, but Genl. W. is a little too impatient
of control by his old Milty. Commander, who taught
him the alphabet of war, and has taken him through all
the classes, even to the highest in that school.
We have another report from Mexico. That Valen-
cia has fortified his position at Guadalupe, and declared
against Santa Anna. That cannot be true — the enemy
is too near the door to render justifiable such a step.
All agree in the opinion that if we have a battle, it will
be a hard fought one.
Lt. Welch called this afternoon and delivered me
your letter from Savannah dated May 29th. Among
the newcomers, I see a son of Col. De Russey's. You
saw him once or twice, I think, at West Point. Dis-
missal and rejection from the Military Academy have
proved very fortunate events for several young men,
who are placed far above the heads of their more
fortunate classmates, "who were fools enough to
graduate." One man is Col. whose classmates are
second Lieuts., and some of them very low down in
that grade. Oh \ the sweets, the beauties of democracy.
West Point is too aristocratic to have any attention
paid to laws intended to protect the rights of those
who plod through that institution. But thank God,
every battlefield attests the steady valor of her pupils:
there has been no faltering, no wavering among them.
Though I have in my previous letters written enough
about the sights of Puebla, I ought not to leave it
In Mexico ^n
without saying something about the night market.
Many scenes are worthy of Mr. Weir's pencil — those
beautiful and rich contrasts of light and shade we so
often admired in looking at our campfires. The
principal market presents a more variegated view than
does the little one in front of my window.
I will say a few words about our house scene. Directly
in front of my window is the stall of two women who
sell aU kinds of fruit, disposed in piles or pieces of mat-
ting. This stall is covered with long shingles, and is
closed behind by a piece of matting, but open on the
sides and in front; the two are seated back, near a
blazing fire of hghtwood, giving a picturesque effect,
as you see customers approach, and by change of
position see them now in strong light, now mostly
in deep shade.
Next you find a different and the most ordinary,
kind of staU, — it is a piece of matting fastened upon the
top of a stake, by being tied to the ends of five or more
cross-pieces, the pole sticking into a hole a few inches
deep. These look, at a distance, like the umbrella
we see on the old china plates; the arrangement for
light is different here from the other, as he has a tripod
about three feet high, with a blazing torch of Hght-
wood on top, and the effect of the Hght from this is
very fine; in the next you may perhaps see a
candle, but this looks too poor by the side of its
neighbors.
The groups around these stalls, the figures passing
in front of them, with now and then one suddenly
emerging from, or disappearing into the darkness of
the backgrovmd, with the effect of Ught on the piles
of fruits, varying in colors from the snowy white of the
onion to the yellow of the orange, or the dark hue of
278 An Artillery Officer
the sapote, form rich pictures. But bless me, I must
close! Good-night. God guard you.
Saturday, 7th.
Genl. Twiggs has moved with his Division — the head
of his column marched about ten miles, the rear, not
more than half that distance. I presume that the
object will be to accomplish the day's march before the
rain commences, which is usually after three o'clock.
Short marches will therefore be made all the way.
The Genl. is very much worried to-day, at a report
from Col. Childs , the newly appointed Civil and Milty.
Governor , remonstrating against the inadequacy of the
garrison proposed to be left here — the first Regt. Penna.
Vols, and two Companies of Regulars, with the sick and
all who are tmable to perform three days' march,
woiild, Genl. S. thought, afford a sufficient protection.
What he will decide upon, I know not, but he is
very uneasy.
He dines to-day with Genl. Pierce, at Genl.
Worth's. I was with him from his dinner hour, dining
there, tiU he went out to dinner. Genl. P. introduced
the Col. and Officers of the 9th New England Regt.
to the Genl. They presented some fine faces and heads
among the group.
Genl. S. hopes, that instead of the Governor's chair,
your Father wUl consent to be run for the Senate. I
told him of the position in which Father is now placed —
that he would be told by the Whigs, "If you do not
run for Governor, we shall lose the State elections and
consequently the United States Senator — you run, we
carry everything — and this election is all important to us
and our party. " Strong points these may be, in Father's
opinion ; and if so, as a politician, he cannot refuse.
In Mexico 279
Maj. Wade is worried to death by a letter he re-
ceived the other day from his wife; he has alluded to
it several times, but I never ask any questions, parti-
cularly about family affairs, and again, I am tired of
throwing away counsel and advice, and have resolved
henceforth to be very discreet if I can.
Our Lt. Col. assumed the command of the Regt. this
afternoon — this cuts short the reign of Capt. Burke.
Capt. Kendrick of the 2nd Arty, is to remain here. I
regret that exceedingly, as the Capt. is very anxious
to go on, and he would coUect a mass of matter of the
geology, etc., of the Country between this place and
Mexico and in the suburbs of the City, which would
be valuable.
I will now retire. I intend devoting to-morrow
to finishing this and some other letters I have com-
menced. No. 18 wiU then give the beginning of our
advance to the Capital.
Sunday, 8th.
We have received our orders to march at 6 o'clock
in the morning ; to prepare for that start, our reveille is
to be beat at j o'clock. Why three hours are required
to prepare for starting, I could never yet see. The men
would march much better by not being aroused so
unnecessarily early.
I had intended, when I finished writing last
night, to have devoted some two or three hours of
to-day to writing, but I have had enough to occupy
me, attending to Compy. and private matters. I
saw Col. Childs in the City this morning, riding through
one of its streets with half a dozen Dragoons as an
escort. He is capable of making as much out of a
trifle as any man I ever saw. He must be a good
280 An Artillery Officer
soldier, or he never could have gained the reputation
he had in the Army.
I leave thirteen men, invalids, here, but many of them
are capable of performing light garrison duty. All
the married men are well, and accompany me. Of poor
Cramer, left sick at Vera Cruz, I have not heard for a
very long time. I feel very uneasy about him. Suffem,
the drummer, is rapidly improving, but is yet too weak
to march with the Compy. to-morrow. Poor little
fellow, he is very anxious to go on.
One of the young Georgia officers dined with us to-
day — Lt. Forsyth ; he is not very brisk in his appearance.
He is from Macon, I think he said. We hear that
other troops are at Vera Cruz. Can Duncan be among
those? We hope that the most dangerous part of the
yellow fever season has passed. Genl. Pierce, I think,
did not lose a man by the vomit, after he got into
Camp.
I will now close this letter, the last from Puebla,
commencing another the first evening I have leisure.
I leave Puebla with some regret, as I have had many
delightful chats with you and have had several of your
letters, in my snug room here. That otu* Heavenly
Father wUl, in his wisdom, so order events as soon to
restore me to you, and that He will continue to pour
upon us His choicest blessings, crowning, in each of us,
all with pure faith in Him, is my earnest and constant
prayer.
No. i8. Rio Prieto (Black River).
Monday, August 9th.
Four leagues (eleven miles) on the road to Mexico.
We are, at last, off for the far famed City of Mexico.
Our march has been a very unpleasant one, in conse-
In Mexico 281
quence of having eyes, nose, mouth, and ears filled with
dust; luckily for us, the day's march was so short,
that we reached our bivouac by 12 o'clock.
To let you into some of the discomforts sometimes
resulting from want of rank, or rank not well defined,
I will give you an anecdote, the principal sufferers by
which are Major Wade and myself. The Major and
Capt. A. were both, duringthe absence of Col. Beltonfrom
the Regiment, assigned to duty as Field Officers. Lt.
Col. B. having reported for duty with the Regt. relieved
Capt. Burke from its command, and gives us as the
orders now stand, four Field Officers, one per Compy.
Anticipating something of what has happened, I
took command of the Compy. the day before Col.
Belton joined. Yesterday, when we were having our
mess furniture packed. Major W. asked if I could take
the mess articles in "G" Co. wagon. I told him I
feared it would be impossible, as the wagon would be
very full, but I would have as many articles carried as
was possible.
I accordingly this morning had one of the boxes put
in my wagon, and after we were out of the City, Derr
astonished me by saying that the box containing all
oiu" provisions, tea, coffee, and most of the cooking
articles and table furniture was left behind.
It seems that the Major made a fruitless attempt to
have it placed in the field staff wagon. Not being in
command of the Compy. he could not order it to be
put with the Company's property. Thus has the Major
verified the truth of the fable of the ass between two
bales of hay.
My position is pretty good, as friend Derr will easily
manage to supply me with coffee from the Compy., and
my old soup-digester is in the box that came. I am
282 An Artillery Officer
glad it is safe. We have sent back, and in a day or two
the error will have been rectified.
Genl. Scott and Staff are probably now with the
advance, as he left yesterday morning with Genl.
Quitman's Division — intending to leave it, under an
escort of Cavalry, and overtake Genl. Twiggs.
The dust was so very unpleasant to-day that I could
not enjoy the scenery. One road, sufficiently undu-
lating for good marching, passed through an almost
continued succession of com fields, from that receiving
its first, and perhaps only ploughing, to that in which
the com is ripe, and acres of beans. The two snowy
mountains, so often mentioned in my letters from
Puebla, are on the left and in front of us. As we
advance, the old crater near the top of Popocatepetl
begins to shew its ragged lip distinctly.' Why can
I not sketch? Twould give anything for a good daguer-
reotype apparatus, which would enable me to present
you with acciirate representations of scenes which
please me here.
I was going to say that I never would again go into
foreign parts, without having one, but with my present
feelings, I willingly ask you to terminate that sentence,
as the little grammarian would say, with a full stop
after the word "parts." Several Mexicans accom-
panied us and I noticed that they atethe stock of the
com as we do the sugar cane.
The men have stood the march pretty well. I
started Derr on the pony placed at my disposal by
Major W., but the poor fellow could n't stand it longer
than about four nules, when I saw him leading him,
saying that he was tired of riding.
We bivouac on a road, leading perpendicularly to
' A sketch was enclosed in letter.
< -
ti.
o
3
In Mexico 283
the right from the main road, just giving room for the
Officers' tents, and a passway between them and the
stacks of arms, a broad ditch separating us, on either
side, from a com field in which our men, in despite of
orders, will collect some fine roasting ears for their
supper. Enough for one night's journal. Good-night,
etc., etc.
San Martin el Grande, about eleven miles from
Rio Prieto.
Tuesday, loth.
After another dusty march, not quite so bad
as yesterday, because of our not having as much wind,
we reached this place at half -past twelve. The country,
to be more particular, the land along the road, is very
rich, the com being higher and of richer growth than
any I have seen in Mexico. The com fields extend for
miles along the road, which passes through them,
separated by a ditch, the earth of which forms on the
com field side a tolerably steep embankment. The
divisions between the fields appear to be mere lanes,
or wide roads.
You see at the distance of a mile from the road, as
you approach San Martin, a small piece enclosed by a
post and rail fence, nearly the only one I have seen in
this Country, and in the suburbs the fields of pepper and
beans are enclosed by a fence of clay — unbumt brick,
I suppose the book-makers would call it. I saw some
Mexicans repairing a dam; this is secured by large
pieces of sod, placed on each other, the grassy side up,
rammed or beaten down by a large maul. You would
have been amused to see them work — one man digs
the sod, using for this a Mexican spade of wood, shod
with iron; another man carries the sods on his back.
284 An Artillery Officer
using for this purpose the strap passing over his shoulders,
as so often described.
In one field, I counted twenty-three ploughs at
work, each drawn by two oxen, managed by means of
the long goad, described in my letter about Cholula.
By the bye, we see along the road constantly, pieces of
pottery, giving the land the appearance of having been
a huge potter's yard, "d-la Trollope."
About two hours after we halted, all were called to
arms by the beating of the generale. A few lancers,
it is said, were seen on some eminence around the town,
which caused this stampede, as such false alarms are
called; aU expect another to-night. We are very
unfortunate, as we have more in our Division than they
have in either of the others. The love plant and the
four o'clocks, with the morning glory, we saw apparently
growing wild.
The first view, just as day was dawning this morning,
of the top of Popocatepetl was more beautiful than any
I have had. As you chanced to look in its direction,
your attention might be caught by an exceedingly
delicate white pyramid in the heavens; as the eye
rests on it, it gradually assumes a more distinct and
better marked outline and finally, at sunrise, the snow-
clad mountain stands perfectly defined before you.
Early in the morning the snow is tinted with a beauti-
ful tint of Hght blue. But the mountain, as first seen,
just as the earliest rays of the rising sun kiss it, had to
me the appearance of a dream : I can express the effect
on me in no better manner. I wish I could so describe
it to Mr. Weir, as to have it painted. 'T is said that
the Indians called this mountain the "Blazing Star."
As we must prepare for a stampede, I will now retire.
Good-night, etc., etc.
In Mexico 285
Chalco, Friday, 13th.
We were agreeably disappointed, in not being dis-
turbed in oiir rest, what little the fleas did not deprive
us of, at San Martin. That day's march was not very
interesting — a few miles of the rich plain was passed,
and we commenced the gradual ascent of the mountains
separating the plains of Puebla, etc., from that of
Mexico.
The road was pretty good for a mountain one;
pine and oak, with an occasional undergrowth of
laurel and two or three kinds of trees that I did not
recognize as American friends, skirted our course.
Coarse sandstone and pudding-stone with pieces of
volcanic origin, were all I noticed in mineralogy.
At ten or eleven miles we crossed the bridge of Tema-
lucan, and about four o'clock in a cold rain halted seven
or eight miles further at Rio Frio, where I passed a very
uncomfortable night. Yesterday morning, we started
about six o'clock to halt, as we were informed, at the
Venta de Cordova, a march of only eleven miles.
The coimtry, this day, was much more broken than
that passed over yesterday — a few miles this side of
Rio Frio, we passed imder several hills, where the
Mexicans had completed, or commenced batteries, to
defend the road. Had they made a stand there, we
shoidd have lost several of our brave troops, but the
Mexicans must have lost their batteries.
At ten o'clock precisely, by my watch, on reaching
the top of a little hill, my eyes caught the first view of
the valley of Mexico. There it lay, as seen through the
narrow opening made by the road, in the overhanging
trees; a quiet landscape, having in the foreground a
sheet of water ; the portion of the valley visible blending
itself imperceptibly in distant moimtains, which could
286 An Artillery Officer
scarcely be distingmshed, the day being at that moment
cloudy, with a gentle mist from the clouds which
rested on their sides.
Every turn of the road now opened to us a new or
more extensive view in which the pictures were formed ;
every variety of green that could be formed by the
varied light and shade of passing clouds and by real
difference of shade, with mountains here, nearly in
the foreground, there, in the distance, and beyond,
Hmiting the view; and lake, in this part, almost un-
distinguishable from the grass and sHme, which nearly
covered it, to the clear water, in which the shadows
of the passing clouds were visible; the picture studded
with haciendas, some traced out by their huge mud
walls enclosing immense courtyards, like fortifications,
villages with churches, etc., presented views which
were charming to those who hoped that there lay the
City, from which they must return to their beloved
homes.
Indeed, independent of everything, the scenery was
beautiful. The descent was rapid and the view of
our Division, which could be seen distinctly by looking
ahead and in rear (we were near the rear), as it wotmd
its way down compactly and rapidly, was the most
beautiful panoramic picture I ever saw; our wagon
train extended two or three miles, and could be seen
with their white tops passing through the trees which
shaded the road.
Everything from the Rio Frio to the Venta de
Cordova was wild, not a trace of a house was visible ;
this day's march and that of yesterday, however,
told us too plainly that man with all his worst
passions had been there — the cross, here, of large
pieces of wood, with the name of the murderer's victim,
In Mexico 287
the year of his death, and an appeal to the passer-by
to utter a prayer for the benefit of his soul; there, of
two simple sticks, or a single one with the branches
forming that holy emblem, marks the place of murder.
In some places, a Httle kind of altar, scooped out of
the rock, had the cross and name rudely cut.
The timber on the roadside was the same as that
seen on the day before, but some of the oaks and pines
were about three feet in diameter — the pines beautifully
straight; on this side of the mountain we saw cedar
in abundance. Along the route grew beautiful flowers,
some of which wotild form valuable additions to our
garden flowers.
We are now in a dirty village at the head of Lake
Chalco, whose name it bears. The lake, or rather the
slime covered water of the lake, is within two hiindred
yards of the shoemaker's shop we inhabit. The market-
ing is brought in canoes, which drawing little water are
paddled through the slime and weeds.
Genl. Scott, who is on the main road leading between
Lakes Chalco and Texcoco, paid Genl. Worth a visit
this morning. He is in fine spirits, and has his en-
gineers engaged to-day in recormoitring the approaches,
between those lakes, to the City. He hopes to succeed
in turning Penon Grande with its strong batteries,
keeping its garrison in check by holding near it a strong
force and reaching the suburbs of the City without the
immense sacrifice the storming of that hill now sur-
rounded by a sheet of water would cost us.
Genl. Worth has been directed to reconnoitre the
road leading from our position around Lake Chalco to
the rear of the City. The reconnoissance being com-
pleted, the Genl. will decide on his plan of attack and
oxir Division will lead. We are collecting boats and
288
An Artillery Officer
timber to be used as may be deemed advisable. If
necessary, the City may be approached by water from
this and from several other points. An order has this
moment been received, asking for the number of boat-
builders and cavdkers in our Division.
Genl. Pillow arrived this afternoon, with his Com-
mand, which is now in this place and in some haciendas
near us. We shall soon have stirring times, in which,
I fear, I shall not be able to keep up my daily conver-
sations with you. Last night I did not write because
of my being directed by our Dr. to change my quarters
from those selected to dryer ones, making it late before
I was fixed. The night before was too damp and cold
for me to open my escritoire. But I will not now tire
you by too long a talk. Good-night.
Saturday, 14th.
Last was a memorable night; we had been in bed
just long enough to get comfortably into the first nap,
when we were roused by Dr. Satterlee's entering and
directing our Surgeon to go about five miles into the
country where he would find Lt. Hamilton, an acting
aid-de-camp of Genl. Scott's, badly wounded. The Dr.
kept us awake some time before he got off, and retiuned
in about an hour, having met the Infy. sent out with
Lt. H. retiiming; by the Comdg. officer of which he
was informed that Lt. H. was well taken care of in
a hacienda, and under the care of a French doctor who
was there, and that he was too sick to be moved.
Two wounded men were soon brought for the Doc-
tor's attention, and as we were separated from the
hospital by only a thin partition, balmy sleep paid us
a very unsatisfactory and short visit, before reveille
was beat.
In Mexico 289
Lt. Hamilton is now here, having been brought in
on a litter. Dr. Holden says that he is in no immediate
danger; last night he had a very profuse hemorrhage,
and his life was despaired of. He started about twelve
yesterday with an escort of Dragoons and Infantry,
to bring a gentleman named Robinson into town, who
is said to be well acquainted with the routes leading to
Mexico.
The Infy. halted in a small village, from which they
were enabled to watch, from an eminence, the advance
of the Cavalry, which proceeded with Lt. Hamilton.
The Cavalry had not proceeded far before they were
siirrounded by a body of Lancers, say about two himd-
red, who made furious charges on them — the contest,
though very unequal, was well maintained by our
men, numbering about seventy, for half an hour, when
the enemy retreated.
The Infy. soon joined the Cavalry, — Lt. Hamilton
was found badly speared, one Dragoon killed, another
mortally wounded, and one of the officers of the native
Spy Compy. sHghtly wounded. Six of the Mexicans
were lolled. I fear that Lt. H. may not survive, as
his lungs are thought to be wounded. He is a very
gentlemanly Officer.
Lt. Col. Duncan returned from a reconnoitring party
this afternoon along the left shore of Lake Chalco; his
report is, I learn, favorable, representing the road as
perfectly practicable half way to the City, as far as he
went.
The Engineers also finished their reconnoissances on
the other roads, those between the Lakes Texcoco and
Chalco. They were permitted by the Mexicans to
pass around the Penon, at about three htmdred yards
distance from it, without being fired upon. Another
19
290 An Artillery Officer
party advanced as far as the town of Mexicalsingo ;
the road to within three htmdred yards of that place,
was clear of any obstructions, then, it was considerably
narrowed, and was completely swept by the guns of
several batteries.
To-morrow I expect to see Genl. Scott's order for
our advance. I marched on guard this morning with
the Compy. but, in consequence of a very great change
in the weather, a cold, ugly rain, the Dr. advised my
being retired. I have therefore turned over the guard
to the subaltern on duty with me, and am now in my
Quarters. I the more willingly acquiesce in this, as I
am convinced were I exposed to-night, I would have
another attack of chills and fever, which would keep me
from the coming fight. Good-night.
Sunday morning, 15th.
Orders have just been received, half -past eleven, that
we are to start at three this afternoon — oxir Division,
followed, I presume, by the others, approach Mexico
by the road which has Lake Chalco on its right. We
therefore strike the Capital in rear. Ft. Chapultepec
will then be our first point of attack. I hope that I
may have daily some opportunity of adding a few lines
to this letter. I go on with a full and tmwavering
faith in the mercy and kindness of otu- Heavenly Father.
He will do what is best for us. May He bless and pre-
serve you. Good-day.
San Garggorio, Monday evening, i6th.
We left Chalco yesterday in a little sprinkle, but with
every prospect of a heavy rain; we were, however,
agreeably disappointed, as we reached our encamping
ground, Tetelco, and passed the night without rain.^
In Mexico 291
This morning's march, a short one, say of eight miles,
was quietly made, as no enemy was seen, and no
obstructions met with.
Genl. Scott, who did not leave Chalco till this
morning, has arrived in our Camp. We halt, after
our short march, to enable the new Divisions to come
up. We are now about twelve miles from Mexico, and
may have something to do to-morrow. Good-night.
Tete de Pont, three and one half miles from
Mexico.
August 24, 1847.
The last great battle has, I hope, been fought in
this iU fated Country. Oiu^ Army is now quietly await-
ing the result of the labors of the Commissioners who are
now occupied in their labors. The mail, which takes
this, will, I think, give the news of what they accom-
plish. I am so far from Hd. Qrs., about five miles, that
I really know nothing of what is being done there;
I only know that there is a suspension of hostilities,
and that the Army is now employed in securing am-
mimition taken in large quantities from the enemy, in
attending to the wounded, and in preparations for any ,
work they may be called on to perform.
First, as to myself — you will be as deeply mortified
as I was, at learning that I was not engaged in any of
the series of actions which placed us in our present |
victorious positions.
I started on horseback with the Compy. on the morn-
ing of the 20th, having been seriously indisposed for
several days, and met Dr. Satterlee, who told me that
I could not go, that the road leading to the position we
were to occupy was impassable for horses, and it was
nonsense for me to think of attempting to go on foot.
292 An Artillery Officer
I told him how great my anxiety was to be in the fight ;
he said that he did not think we would have a fight,
that we were to be placed in position to await events. I
then remarked that I would see Dr. Holden. He agreed
with me that I might attempt to go on. We advanced
about a mile or two, when Dr. Holden came up, and
told me that Dr. Satterlee told him that he ought
to order me back, that I could not go on with the
troops.
Feeling very badly, and hoping that there would be
no fight, thus was I compelled to separate myself
from the Regt. I halted, taking my faithful man Derr
with me to San Antonio, the Genl. Hd. Qrs., and threw
myself on my friend Capt. Irvin's bed, feeling wretch-
edly enough. My kind friends, Drs. Harney and
Lawson, soon came to see me and to have my wants
supplied.
At night, Genl. Scott and his Staff returned, from
whom I learned the brilliant events of the day's work.
Genl. Scott was in fiine spirits, and I congratulated him
from the bottom of my heart. He was for a little time
much affected, and spoke in most affectionate terms of
Father. He makes me take my meals and a cot in
his room. The next day, finding that my Regt. was to
advance with the rest of the Army, and almost hoping
that there would be another battle, I determined at all
risks to join my Compy. and — me void, I hope with a
heart ready for any service, but much chastened by
the accounts received of the suffering of the dying and
wounded on the battlefield, and of those who have
since been placed under the knives of the surgeons.
The newspapers will give you fvdler and better ac-
counts than I can, but I will give you an imperfect
sketch. The Army left Puebla in successive Divisions
In Mexico 293
on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and loth days of this month, was
placed in quarters and in bivouacs on the plain of Mex-
ico on the 14th inst. On the afternoon of the 13th, Lt.
S. Hamilton, aid-de-camp to Genl. Scott, was lanced
near Chalco, the then position of the ist Division.
The 2nd Division was on the main road leading to
Mexico, which the Engineers had been reconnoitring.
Genl. Scott, after fvdl reconnoissances, determined to
approach the City by the road leading along Lakes
Chalco and Xochimilco, and the ist Division leading the
advance started from Chalco on Sunday afternoon,
15th inst.
By short marches, we approached, seeing nothing
of the enemy till the morning of the 17th when he
shewed himself in smaU parties along the eminences
skirting the road; from these positions he was soon
driven by our skirmishers. One man of our Division
was wounded. We halted that night in San Augustin.
Early the next morning, 1 8th, a field work having
been discovered on the road to Mexico, we were ordered
forward, our Brigade leading, aU expecting and anxious
for a fight. We advanced, say a mile, when we were
halted, and had been , there about half an hour when
we heard that Capt. Thornton, 2nd Dragoons, had
been killed while covering a party of our Engineers
reconnoitring the work we expected to take, San
Antonio.
A diagonal movement, across a field towards a haci-
enda on the right, showed the knowing ones that the
work was not then to be attacked in front. The Divi-
sion was kept under arms, and parties of Engineers
despatched in various directions, to ascertain if the
work could not be turned. The reports were not made
till night, when it was found that the work was too
294 An Artillery Officer
strong for a front attack, but that there was a trail
which might be rendered practicable for Infy. leading
to its flank.
Our troops remained on wet ground and under a
succession of heavy showers of rain during most of
this day. We bivouacked at night in the hacienda.
The next day, 19th, the army awaited the arrival of
the Divisions of Twiggs and Quitman, reported near,
and the further reconnoissances of our Engineers.
Towards afternoon. Pillow was ordered to cover a
road-making party, engaged in opening a road leading
farther to the left than the one we were on. A fire
was soon opened on this party, from a strong field-work,
contrarios, occupied by the enemy. It was actively
sustained till night without any result. Early the
morning of the 20th this work was carried by Genl.
P. Smith (Rifles) and our gallant friend Col. Riley.
This attack not having been made at as early an
hour as was anticipated, our Brigade was ordered to the
support of the troops designated for the attack. On
our approach, the firing had already ceased, the work
having been taken. I was ordered back.
The Brigade soon received orders to countermarch,
and advancing rapidly up the road, from which we
had turned off on the i8th, found the enemy, having
abandoned their work, in retreat. Quick pursuit was
given, and the first intimation given of proximity to
another work was the reception of a fire of grape from
its guns. The Division was ordered to turn into a
com field on the right of the road, and to storm the
work.
Our Regt., the storming party nearest the road, ad-
vanced under a galling fire of grape and musketry, to
the edge of the com field, when the number of men in
In Mexico 295
advance was deemed entirely inadequate to assault
the strong field-work, then seen about lOO yards in
front of them.
It had two four-pound guns, two heavy pieces, one an
1 8 poiinder, and its parapets lined by perhaps 2500 men.
In this field, and near the edge of it, our loss was very
severe. "G" Co. lost its Orderly Sergt. Brown (an
invaluable soldier, who received two mortal wounds)
and three privates; Porter, the Artificer, slightly
wounded, and seven privates, wounded, none I hope
severely. My loss was greater in proportion to my
strength than either of the other Companies.
Major Wade was the only Officer of our Regt.
wounded, a baU passed through the fleshy part of his
leg — the calf. We have to mourn the death of many
brave friends; Captains Capron and Burke (of Tampa
Bay Memory), the two youngest Capts. in the ist Arty.,
were shot dead. In this, I hear I was misinformed;
Capt. C. lived about half an hour. Capt. B. was first
shot through the hand, fainted, and as he was being
borne off the field, was killed by another ball. Poor
Mrs. Capron and her children, it makes my heart bleed
to think of them. Capt. P. Butler, S. C, fell at the
head of his Regt. which had faltered under a deadly
fire. Capt. W. Anderson, 2nd. Infy., was mortally
wounded.
I have not time to mention the gallant actions fought
by the other Divisions. Four distinct and hard con-
tested works were carried that day. In the work taken
by our Division, and in which in the morning there
were 5000 men, I am now writing. It is the strongest
field of fortification I ever saw.
Col. Butler was the highest officer in rank who fell.
Col. Ward Burnett, N. Y. Regt., was wounded Aug. 20th
296 An Artillery Officer
Col. Burnett had the lockjaw for two weeks, and
is now out on his crutches. Capt. P. Kearney, 1st
Dragoons, lost his left arm; it has been amputated
above the shoulder.
The papers will give exceedingly interesting and full
details of all the incidents of the day. For ourselves,
let us unite in thanks to our Heavenly Father for our
preservation. For His own good purpose I have been
thwarted in one of my heartfelt wishes. He knows
best.
I must now send this to Hd. Qrs. as an express will
certainly be despatched the moment the Commissioners
report. That God will continue to guard and preserve
you, and soon restore me to you, is my sincere prayer.
Be not alarmed about me, it is only a touch of the old
Florida complaint, produced by exposure to wet, and
sleeping in wet clothes. A few days' rest will soon
restore me.
Tacubaya, Friday, Aug. 27th.
This poor letter was sent and returned with a state-
ment that there was no mail, and that it was uncertain
when one would be sent. I shall, however, finish it
as one of my regular series, and send it by the first
opportunity.
Lieut. Johnson of our Regt. says that he must go
to the United States with the first escort. On the
morning of the 25th my long threatened touch of fever
and chill visited me. It was produced undoubtedly
by the dampness of the position in which we were
bivouacked. Yesterday morning, we were marched to
this place, where, having a comfortable room, I shall
get well, as I can now take care of myself.
Last night we were under orders to be prepared with
In Mexico 297
sixty rounds of cartridges for a night attack, but the
storm blew over. It is said to have been caused by
the conduct of the Mexicans in not permitting our
wagons to enter the City for supplies, as agreed upon
by the terms of the Armistice. Just as night ap-
proached, however, Genl. Santa Anna sent a communi-
cation to Genl. S. that Commissioners had been
appointed who would meet Mr. Trist this day. The
meeting, I presume, took place, as Mr. Trist passed
out of town with an Escort about the appointed
time.
So I hope the good work of peace-making has been
commenced. 'T is reported that our wagoners were
fired upon to-day and that Santa Anna's troops fired
at the mob who did it. They appear sore under the
gentle thrashing they have received and have not per-
haps had enough to keep them quiet.
Lt. Judd, who has improved very much since I
last mentioned him, informs me that Genl. Quitman
intends returning to the United States. He came
out not to make political capital, but to fight, and
is, I presume, disheartened at not being engaged
in the last battles. He is, perhaps, the best of the
appointments, and I shall regret his leaving us; he
is a gentleman; his successor may, by accident, be
one.
Poor Lt. Irviti, shot through the neck, just in front
of the jugular vein, is, I fear, too badly woimded to
recover. Of the Armistice I say nothing special, as
the newspapers will present you with a copy, perhaps,
some time before you receive this, as I do not doubt
that Mr. Kendall sent some days ago his report of the
battle, and as soon as concluded, a copy of the Articles
of the Armistice.
298 An Artillery Officer
If report be true, and in this case I cannot doubt it,
the 3rd Arty, has been cruelly treated by Genl. Worth
and Col. Garland. Col. Belton gave a full report,
giving in detail all the operations of the 20th as far
as the 3rd was an actor, and spoke in high terms of
the conduct of some, perhaps all the Officers; this
report was returned, with instructions.
Col. G. stated from Genl. W. that all should be
omitted but the simple fact that at such an hoiu- the
Regt. entered the field-work, and 't is said that no
mention is made of an Officer of the 3rd, that its Com-
mander even is not named. ' 'T is too strange, almost,
to be true.
Col. B. is very blamable for altering his report, if
he did so, to suit the fancy or whim of his superior.
He is, however, Commissioner to see the terms of the
Armistice complied with, and cares very little for the
Regiment.
The order given to the Regt. on that day to storm a
work which had not been reconnoitred, can hardly
be sustained before military men, and caused the loss
of many of our best soldiers. Alas, alas, what is fame,
what is glory? 'Tis but the soldier's dream. It haunts
him in his slumbers, and shortens the long weary night
with its pleasing apparition, but after passing through
the maddening excitement of the morrow's battle, all
his hopes are crushed by the envy, prejudice, or folly
of those whose duty it is to protect and advance him,
and he finds a Staff Officer who did literally nothing
praised for high gallantry.
I think I had better lay down my pen for to-night
as I cannot now write with patience on the subject I
' Capt. Anderson was, be it remembered, not in this battle, or these
remarks would not have been made.
In Mexico 299
have touched. Making a few remarks about the
wounded, I will close for the night.
Lt. Hamilton is doing very well. Major Wade is
also rapidly improving; in ten days more, I hope he
will be walking about. Lt. Kearney is also doing as
well as could be hoped for. And now, my wife, accept
my best prayers and wishes that we may soon meet,
not to be again separated till the great summons calls
us, after a happy and contented life here, to a better
existence in Heaven.
28th. I have just learned that the courier of the
British Minister will take this, and hasten to enclose it.
No. 19. Tacubaya, Mexico.
August 28, 1847.
I hastily finished and attempted to despatch by the
messenger of the British Minister, who leaves to-morrow
morning, a supplement to No. i8, but I fear that the
letter was sent too late, as I hear that the packages
were made up this morning, before I learned that he
would take letters for our officers. This mischance, if it
prove one, I shaU regret most deeply, as I am certain
that many of my friends will mourn my death instead
of Capt. J. W. Anderson, 2nd Infy. You will see the
name correctly reported in the Picayune, as I requested
Mr. Kendall to be particular in his report.
Poor Lt. Irvin, whose case was mentioned in my last
letter, died yesterday and was buried to-day. He was
a fine gallant soldier. Major Wade and Capt. Kearney,
both of whom I saw to-day, are doing well. Our loss
in the actions of the 20th collectively, caUed the Battle
of Mexico, as it extended to the gates of the City
(Capt. Kearney being shot when fifty or seventy yards
300 An Artillery Officer
from its wall), amounts in killed and wounded to 1052,
(I think exactly) nearly one seventh of those engaged,
as I do not suppose that there were as many as 8000
in the fight.
The loss of the enemy must exceed 5000, as the
ground was in places thickly strewn with their dead
and wounded men. What a sacrifice of life! God
grant that Victory may be crowned with Peace. We
cannot stand many such victories.
The impression in high quarters is, that a treaty
will be concluded, and then for home, never, no never,
to leave my beloved land to fight again in foreign
lands.
Our soldiers and Army followers are behaving badly,
robbing and insulting the Mexicans; this has caused
the assembling of a Milty. Commission, of which I am
Judge Advocate, which is to meet from time to time
as cases may occur.
No attention is given to the fact of my having been
Recorder to the Court of Inquiry, which closed its
proceedings in Capt. Riley's case just before we left
Puebla. Genl. Worth said he wanted me, and presto,
detail was overlooked, and out came the order. So long
as there is a hope of our having peace and being per-
mitted soon to return home, I am willing to do, double,
all duty. Home, how simple the word, and yet how
much does it carry to, or excite in, the heart of one who,
for long and tedious months, has thought years might
elapse ere he could see his home. God grant that this
may prove no fond dream, but a sweet reality. I do
not permit myself, even now, to indulge'too sanguinely
in the hope that peace may be made, as some contre-
temps, the folly and obstinacy of the Mexican Con-
gress, an outbreak in the City — something may happen
In Mexico 301
which would break off negotiations and plunge us again
into uncertainty, and active, bloody war. Mexico
is at our mercy, and falls into our hands soon after the
firing of the first gun, and woe, woe to the City if our
Army enter it, after a bloody resistance. I dare not
think of it. The sight of a sacked City either maddens
the brain, or breaks the heart of a sensitive person.
Enough for to-night. God keep me from ever wit-
nessing, or being an actor in such scenes.
Sunday, August 29th.
Our Commission met this morning in compliance with
our order, but adjourned over tiU to-morrow morning,
when we meet in the Cortina Palace. In Madame
Calderon's pleasant book on Mexico, you may remem-
ber her speaking of this family, this house and its fine
collection of paintings. I shaU take occasion to examine
the paintings. As yet, though I have seen some thou-
sands of paintings in the Churches in this Country, I
have not seen one that I would call a great work. I
am anxious to visit the City, where I presume some of
the best paintings may be seen.
I have not heard what progress Mr. Trist is making
in his treaty-making, but was told by Capt. Scott, of
the General's Staff, this morning that everything was
going on well.
Whilst impressions are fresh on my mind, I may as
well state the differences I observe between the Mexicans
this side the mountains and those at Puebla. The race
is larger than those I saw beyond the mountains. Their
features, too, differ very considerably; — the face is per-
haps longer, with higher forehead, and cheek bones less
projecting, the complexion is lighter.
It may be wrong to generalize until I see masses in
302 An Artillery Officer
Mexico, as I did at Puebla. This being a small place,
we see but few ; the women are not handsome, perhaps
better looking than the Pueblans. Less use is made
of earthen ware than at Puebla; here, copper vessels
tinned are apparently in quite general use in the
kitchens.
The water-carriers do not use the Egyptian vessels
I attempted to describe in one of my letters, but one
of a pitcher-like form, with one handle — two are sus-
pended from the end of a stick, which is supported on
the shoulders. ' If these pitchers do not balance well,
't is because I am not accustomed to carrying them,
because that is the way ; they are frequently steadied
by the hands being placed against the handles, that
you may imagine.
Whether the descendants of the Aztecs are as re-
markable for their sobriety as are their transmontane
brothers, I am not prepared to say.
In OMT market here we have oranges, pineapples,
bananas, limes, pears, apples, and peaches. The vege-
tables are the same I have mentioned as being in the
Puebla market. I purchased a fine head of cauHflower
this morning.
The scamps have raised the prices on us; in small
places they always do — in Mexico we could ptuchase
marketing much cheaper. I did not mention that at
Chalco we had the guava in market and in Puebla, just
before we left, I saw a few beets.
Monday, August 30th.
This has been quite a busy day; the trial before
our Commission and bringing up our proceedings
engaged me till nearly dark, and then, in consequence
• A sketch was enclosed in letter.
In Mexico 303
of Sergt. Brown's death, as there was no one who
understood anything about the papers for muster to-
morrow, I was compelled to take hold of them.
I will not omit, however, having a chat with you,
which must be short, as I have to prepare a charge
against a man whom I shall take before the Commis-
sion for trial to-morrow.
I saw Mr. Trist, this morning; he appears to be in
very good spirits in relation to his duties and progress-
in them. Herrara, the head of the Mexican Commis-
sioners, formerly President for a short period, is con-
sidered the most honest and honorable of their public
men. His being on the Commission augurs well, I
think. There may be some shufHing in the Congress,
which may prevent its ratification. Nous verrons.
The view from the highest point of this City is
magnificent : the great City of Mexico, with Ft. Chapul-
tepec in the foreground, on the left of the picture, and
beyond and aroimd the City, a highly cultivated plain
interspersed with lake and mountain, or intersected
by turbulent Httle mountain rivers; the whole sur-
rounded by mountains, among which, in fair weather,
we still see our old friends, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl,
presents a view weU worthy of the artist's pencil.
In the plain, among other trees, we see lines or
avenues of trees resembling somewhat our Lombardy
poplars, but which, whether from the vastness of the
plain or the background of lofty mountains, are,
however, unlike the barrenness of our broomstick tree,
and realty produce a pleasing effect in the landscape.
Good-night.
Tuesday, August 31st.
The last day of this year's summer has gone — will
304 An Artillery Officer
the ensuing fall months be more quiet than, or as tur-
bulent as, those that have just passed away, or will
they return me to my beloved family? Would that
I covdd command an affirmative answer to the latter
query. All at Hd. Qrs. seem to think that the last
battle has been fought. I hope that they may not be
deceived. From our Court-room, I stole off for a few
minutes to see some of the pictures in the Palace. I
only examined rapidly a few that are in a bedroom.
One, a very sweet face, is a young lady asleep — modem,
but very prettily colored. An old painting comes next,
representing a Spanish lady, of the age perhaps of
Isabella, very well executed, a valuable painting.
The remarkably fine large head in front of you as you
turn your back to the light, is modem ; the keys in his
hand designate St. Peter. This is a good picture, but
does not present to my mind the characteristic expres-
sion of the features of the great Apostle.
But your eye, I see, wanders to, and is now fixed
admiringly upon, that sweet picture in the comer on
your left. It is a lovable picture, modem, but charm-
ing. A young mother kissing and oh, so sweetly
kissed by her infant. 'T is the waking morning kiss.
The mother is partially raised in bed, and holds her
child, who has just waked, in her arms. (I correct
here, the mother, in her night-dress, leans over her
infant, as if raising her from her crib.) The little hand
which seeks for the fountain of nourishment, shews
that the little angel thinks of something besides the
loving kiss she takes and gives. How I wish you
could see this picture. There are many others in the
house, but this is, I fancy, to be my favorite. If I
can get a good daguerreotypist here, I will endeavor
to bring you a view of this charming work. Both
In Mexico 305
faces are beautifxil; easy and graceful is every attitude
of each.
I find that I did an injustice to Genl. Worth in my
remark about the returning of Col. Belton's report, —
he only wished Col. Belton to omit the tactical part
of the report, and desired him to mention all Officers
who had particularly distiaguished themselves. Col.
B. got in a pet, and struck out all mention of the
Officers.
September 8th.
Though I am now engaged on another sheet to com-
plete No. 19, I will send this as it is, reserving the
other part for another opportunity. Yesterday, I
sent a letter by Mr. Kendall's express. I have this
morning heard that Genl. Quitman and Lt. Welsh are
to leave to-morrow morning for the United States and
have determined to trust my budget to them. The
chances are that they will go safely through — I pray
to God that they may — for their Hves are of value to
our Country. I must now close, as 't is time to send
the messenger off. Nos. 14 to 19 inclusive are sent
in three packages.
Sunday, September 26th.
I close this to send by the Minister's Express.
Wednesday, September ist.
I am so completely wearied with my day's writing
(as Judge Advocate of a Military Commission) that I
can only give you my blessing, and say good-night.
Thursday, September 2nd.
The Commission, fortunately for me, adjourned this
3o6 An Artillery Officer
morning, to give the prisoner, a Mexican, time to get
his witnesses. I have thus had a day of rest, and am,
thank God, quite fresh again. Cases multiply in
about the proportion of those we try, so that we have
a prospect of having occupation as long as we remain.
Indeed, Genl. Worth told me that he intended keeping
us as a permanent Court. One advantage may be
derived from my being on this duty, as it will prevent
my being put on other duty which would expose me
to the changes of weather, the very thing now to be
avoided.
I was so much fatigued yesterday, that I did not
mention my morning's visit to Coiint Cortina's picture
rooms; there are six, I think. It is the most valuable
collection I ever saw. I was disappointed in two which
were called Murillo's: two mothers with infants; they
did not strike me as very remarkable. There are
several in the collection, by painters unknown, I pre-
fer to these two. The subjects are so numerous that
I cannot attempt naming them, much less to describe
what I think are their beauties. I passed rapidly, too
rapidly, through the rooms, knowing that I had a
great deal of writing to be finished by nine this morning.
And again, I hope to enjoy again and again, the pleasure
of entering those rooms. I went again to see the mother
and infant; as a work of art, it has superiors in the
collection, but not one seemed to me so sweet, so lovely.
There is a playful, roguish archness in the darling, as
it steals to tmcover the mother's breast, inexpressibly
sweet. The Count is said to be the richest man in
Mexico; his heirs would not miss the picture, were he
to give it to me.
At the General's Quarters this morning, I again heard
that Mr. Trist was in fine spirits as to his prospects. I
In Mexico 307
hope that he is not a sanguine man. I wrote hastily to
you this afternoon, the letter to go by Mr. Kendall's
express. I am anxious that you should receive it, or
the one sent on the 29th- ult. May you get one or
both, as your mind will then be relieved.
September 3rd.
I was about taking my seat at my table, after dinner
to-day, to bring up my day's proceedings, when Lt.
Andrews came in, and said that Genl. Quitman and Lt.
Welch, were to start to-morrow morning for the United
States, and that if I would get my letters ready in fifteen
or twenty minutes, he would send them down. Busi-
ness was readily laid aside, and all my old talks, from
No. 14 to 19 inclusive, were folded, sealed and directed
by the time appointed. I had barely time to add a
few lines to the first part of this No. 19. To Mother,
I was very anxious to write, but the notice was too
short. I hear since oiu- letters were sent, that Genl.
Qmtman will not leave to-morrow ; if so, I may still add
another letter to your already large stock, and also
write one to my Mother. This has been a very busy
day with me, and as it is now late, and I feel much
exhausted, I must to bed, and now good-night.
Saturday, September 4th.
Our Commission, like a Christian, a reasonable body
of men, adjourned over till Monday, so that to-morrow
I shall be necessarily engaged only a small part of the
day. I have just returned from Genl. Scott, with
whom I dined. He shewed me his report; it is long,
but will be read with great interest by all Americans,
as he gives a clear and vivid sketch of the events of
the 20th.
3o8 An Artillery Officer
My poor Regiment is not, I think, named in the
Report, not that it did not perform its duty, but be-
cause it performed no brilliant achievement ; it was not
the foremost in entering field-work before which so
many of our brave men fell. I should have been
mortified to death had I been with the Regt. and could
not have carved some bauble of honor. They may be
baubles, but they are welcome, and, generally, dearly
bought prizes to us. And though no one knows more
truly than the soldier how many blanks there are in
the wheel of Forttine, to one prize, still, hke the gam-
bler, he ventures o'er and o'er, even health and Hfe
itself, to win that prize.
The commencement and some of the concluding
paragraphs of the General's report (that of the 20th)
are beautifully and forcibly worded. The sub-reports I
have not read, but I have no doubt that every one who
made a report looked more particularly to elevating
self on the ladder, than to doing justice to those who were
under his command.
Genl. Shields and Genl. P. Smith distinguished
themselves greatly on that day. Genl. Smith stands
as high with the Army for good sense and military
qualifications as perhaps any man of his rank with us.
Mr. Trist, who Hves with the Genl., appeared in good
spirits to-day. I asked him, however, no questions
about his duties, or what I so much desire to know,
what he thinks of the prospects of peace. This state
of uncertainty must ere long come to an end, as the
points in dispute cannot certainly occupy reasonable
men longer than a couple of weeks more — and that
time, to regard it as intervening between this period
and that when we may know when we are to go home,
appears an age. Good-night.
In Mexico 309
Sunday, September 5th.
I feel so wretchedly, to-night, that were it not Sun-
day I do not think that I could say even a few words
to you. We fancy that very important and interesting
events are taking place in the City to-day. Heavy
firing we think we heard, and continued, too, for some
time. If this be so, Santa Anna must have been en-
gaged in quelling some pronunciamiento. He is so
shrewd that it is probable that he foresaw and was
prepared. In that case if his Army prove faithful, he
will place himself more firmly in power, in consequence
of the riot. If his Army participated in the disaffection,
he wiU certainly be hurled from his high, but usurped,
position. To-morrow we shall know whether our
speciilations and imaginations are true or not, and I
hope that I shall then feel well enough to write to you.
May God keep you both in health and happiness.
Monday, September 6th.
Only a word or two to-night. For really I am so
much out of spirits at this continuance of my indispo-
sition, at the very time I may desire to have all my
energies. The Mexicans are acting in bad faith to-
day, and I learn that Genl. Scott has sent word to
Santa Anna that unless an apology be sent to-morrow
for the violation of the truce to-day, otur batteries wiU
open to-morrow at 12 m.
The troops in Ft. Chapultepec have been seen at
work at its defences to-day, in clear violation of the
Articles of the truce. All of our wounded and sick are
now being moved to what is called the Palace, a building
belonging, I think, to Genl. Santa Anna.
Chill and fever again this morning! Is this not too
hard? I take a dose to-night which will, I hope, get
310 An Artillery Officer
everything right by Wednesday, and we shall scarcely
have any heavy work before that day. Our troops He,
to-night, ready to move at a moment's warning. I must
be in the next fight.
Tuesday, September yth, three p.m.
We have been ready for the last three hours to move
at a moment's warning. The truce was broken yester-
day, by the Mexicans, and this morning, Genl. Santa
Anna, I hear, wrote and sent a very impertinent
"buncombe" letter to the Genl. Their troops, at all
events, commenced moving out of the City early this
morning, and are now drawn up in Hne of battle with
their left resting on Ft. Chapultepec. Genl. Scott and
Staff are engaged in reconnoitring his position, so that not
many hotus can elapse before we have another battle.
What Santa Anna expects to gain by the great loss
of blood which must flow in such an event, I cannot
conceive, unless it be that the numbers of the Mexicans
are so greatly over the handful of men our Govt, has
sent here as its Army, that he can well give us a few
battles, five to one, and knows that in this way we
must soon be annihilated.
So constantly has victory perched on our banners
under every disadvantage and with every odds against
us, that we may well hope and beUeve that God is
fighting our battles with us, or rather for us.
Whilst midway of the last sentence, we were called
out by the cry that "the Mexicans are coming," but
soon finding that it was a false alarm, we returned to
our quarters. I begin now to doubt whether we will
have a fight to-night, or not. Perhaps we may make
a night attack, perhaps the battle will be fought to-
morrow.
In Mexico '311
Should God spare my life, I will resume this letter
the earliest moment after victory. That He may con-
tinue to guard and guide you in your path to Heaven I
humbly pray.
Mexico, September 22nd.
This day two weeks ago since I was wounded. Oh,
how devotedly I should offer thanks to our Heavenly
Father for His preservation of my Hfe on that dreadful
day. The papers will give you full details of our losses
in killed and wounded. I will now, as I cannot write
much at a time, confine my remarks to what will be
most interesting to you.
Leaving our Quarters about half -past two a.m., 8th
Sept., we, after being kept a long time in the streets of
Tacubaya, reached our position in front of the building
called the Foundry, and better known as "El Molino
del Rey," our men were ordered to lie down on the
road, so as to conceal themselves from the observation
of the troops in Ft. Chapultepec. We remained there
tmtil a few discharges had been made by our Arty, when,
just before sunrise, we were ordered to advance.
The firing of musketry and cannon was at this time
very severe on our left. We approached and when
within about two hundred yards of the Foundry, we
were received with an awful shower of grape and
musketry, the column was ordered to halt, and the
men ordered to shelter themselves against the wall on
our right, the angle here making a shoulder which
partially protected our troops.
This rough sketch' may help me a httle. The line
at the right and top, marked "a-a-a-" is where the
troops took shelter from the fire of the enemy, who
' A diagram was enclosed in letter.
312 An Artillery Officer
lined the housetop in every part. When we had re-
mained a short time there, two of Capt. Drum's guns
were imlimbered and, seeing that there were few men
at the first, which they were bringing up by hand, I,
more for example's sake than anything else, assisted
at it. This gun was placed in position, and commenced
firing. I then stepped a few paces back, and observing
that the men were slow in bringing the other gun for-
ward, I took hold of the trail, which I left as soon as it
was in position, and when I saw men enough at it to
manage it.
I then hurried towards the Regt., which was then
some paces in the rear, when I felt a severe blow against
my right shoulder; it was like the blow from the ball
in a leaded cane ; — I supposed that it was a spent ball
which had hit me, and fallen to the groimd — another
step and I felt a tingling pricking sensation in my left
arm. I, without raising my hand or giving any intima-
tion of being woimded, regained my Command, and on
my remarking to some Officer that I beUeved I had been
touched by a spent ball, was told that there was blood
on my cloak. In a few minutes, I heard some one call
out, "Come on, they are abandoning their battery."
I stepped out and saw Lt. Prince, 4th Infy., in the road,
waving his hand (the 4th and 6th Regts. Infy. were
in front or advance of us). I immediately caUed out
"Forward 3rd Arty.," and rushed forward. Lt. Prince
was shot dovm while he was calling out. I found myself
under the enclosure of the Foundry, the enemy still
lining its waUs.
My wound giving me much pain, had now rendered
me a little less vigorous than I was, and I was joined
by Lt. Andrews and Capt. Ayres and went forward.
Mr. Andrews begged me to send for more men, as the
In Mexico 313
Mexicans were in too great force for us to enter the
passageway marked (X), the enemy being in consider-
able numbers in the enclosure (d) and on the walls
around it. Getting a half dozen men more, I went
forward and entered the enclosure under a pretty
galling fire. As I passed through the passageway, a
ball grazed my right leg, grazing the bone outside
about three inches below the knee.
We had tolerably warm work in retaining possession
of this place, and in killing and driving the enemy from
it. He made repeated attempts to dislodge us, but,
thanks to God, did not succeed. In about two hours
officers came in with re-enforcements, who ranked me,
and then aU the fighting, responsibility, and excitement
being over, and my wound becoming stiff, I realized
that I felt discomfort from my wovmd. A drink of
spirits from a soldier's canteen revived me, but in a
few minutes I fell.
In a half hour I was on my way to my quarters, Lt.
Andrews kindly accompanying me. Dr. Harney soon
came to see me and told me that the ball was in me but
would do no harm. Without probing the wound, or
allowing anything to be done to give me pain, he
ordered a poultice of bread and milk, or water to be
applied. I am now using the same kind. My wound
is about three inches below the point of the shoulder,
and the baU, Dr. Steiner (who probed the wound for
me to-day) thinks, is imder the knot of muscles under
my arm. The hits on my left arm are from slugs or
buckshot and though they leave a mark, are nothing.
The Doctors say that I must have been shot by some
Mexican above me; if so, it must have been as I faced
to the left at the trail of the second gun and the man
must have been on the wall at the angle "c."
314 An Artillery Officer
On the nth I was taken in my "old camp bed-cot,"
to Mixcoac where I was kindly received by Lt. Cald-
well, U. S. Marines, and remained with him, Dr.
Harney coming to see me two or three times each day,
till the 1 8th when I came to this City, my cot being
placed as it stands in an Ambulance.
I remained that night in Genl. Tomel's house, used
as a Hospital for the Officers of the 1st Division, and
the next day came to the Qrs. I now occupy, — a room
in Genl. Valentia's house. My house mates are Major
Wade, whose wound is doing well, Capt. Huger and
his three Ordnance Subalterns.
The battle of the 13th of coxirse I missed. My old
cloak (which I wore on the 8th thinking I would have a
chill that day, having had one on the 6th) bears the
marks of service. Thanks be to Almighty God for my
preservation; the fire was more severe than I ever
thought it could be in battle. For a few moments I
was apprehensive that we must either be cut down or
driven back, but God gave us the victory. The
enemy's forces more than quintupled oiurs. Poor Lt.
Col. Graham fell, gallantly cheering his men on. I
have written too much and will stop for to-day.
Thursday, September 23rd.
I find that my letter to you from Tacubaya which I
endeavored to have sent by the Br. Coiarier, did not
go. Most deeply do I regret this, as I fear the one
which was taken two or three days ago has been
captured by some of the guerrilla bands that infest
every part of the road to Vera Cruz. The City has
been quiet since I entered it. But an order of Genl. '
Scott's, published yesterday, informs us that there is
a conspiracy headed by some cowardly officers and
cq
Q- S
UJ Ti
I- ^
In Mexico 315
false priests to assassinate our brave little Army. The
principal conspirator is said to be an Irish priest,
named McNamara, who has been tampering with our
soldiers, offering them lands in California if they desert,
etc., etc. I hope, if the evidence is conclusive against
him, that he will be hung.
Santa Aima, the night he fled, opened the prison
doors, letting loose the scoundrels who were under-
going their just punishment for murder, robbery, and
other crimes. These are some of the tools he designed
to be used in this conspiracy. The Genl. enjoins
vigilance on ofificers and men, and will doubtless take
all possible means to detect and stifle this vile plot.
I cannot but think that we are here to carry out some
great scheme of Providence, and that God will inter-
pose his powerful arm in our defence and protection.
We hear that Genl. Patterson brings from Brazos
about 4000 men. Having written as much as I ought,
I_,will here stop.
Friday, 24th.
Dr. Steiner has changed my dressing, having given
me a simple layer of Hnt, kept in place by thin strips
of adhesive plaster. He says that the wound has a
healthy appearance and that it is doing weU.
To-day I have been shopping, intending to procure
some engravings for you, representing the manners and
customs of the Indians of the Country. I succeeded
in getting only three, and fear that I will not be able
to procure any more. I amuse myself walking a short
distance down the street, looking at their stores, some
of which excel, in the richness of their goods, anything
I ever saw in the United States. But such prices!
A man who furnishes his house here as many of them
are furnished, must be rich indeed.
3i6 An Artillery Officer
I saw Genl. Bravo's saddle to-day, the seat worked
with gold and with much rich ornamental work about
it: it cost the genteel sum of five hundred dollars. I
have not visited the market or any of the public build-
ings, but hope in a week to be well enough to wear my
coat, when I will take my time in examining the curi-
osities of the City. Good-night.
No. 20. Mexico, October i, 1847.
Thanks be to God, for so far having restored me to
health as to enable me to resume my nightly conver-
sations with my wife. Will the letters despatched by
the Br. Minister's Express on the 28th ult. and the
note sent this morning by private express reach you?
I hope they, or at least one of them may, for I know
the interest, the almost burning anxiety which you
will feel, till you have it from my own hand that I
am safe.
My wound is now nearly well; the new skin com-
menced forming over its edges yesterday. Yesterday,
too, was the first day that I have been able to shave
myself; the task was executed, I assure you, with a
thankful heart, and almost boyish delight, but the
day previous was not quite so delightful a day to me,
as I had my old enemy, a chill, succeeded by a most
burning and long continued fever. Under Dr. Steiner's
prescriptions (he comes and dresses my wound daily),
I took eleven pills yesterday and this morning, and I
have missed the chill to-day. I presume that I shall
have to take quinine for a long time.
This attack has delayed my moving to Genl. Scott's
Quarters. I shall go to-morrow should nothing occur
to prevent it.
To-day I sent for Sergt. Robinson, who was very ac-
In Mexico 317
tive in procuring additional men for us when we first
entered the Foundry on the 8th Sept., and thanked
him for his valuable services. He seemed highly
gratified at what I said to him. On the 8th I recom-
mended for promotion to a Corporalcy, one of the
privates of "G" Co. whose conduct was reported to me
as having been very gallant; Capt. Burke handsomely
acceded to my recommendation, and he was appointed
on the field of battle. My poor Company is cruelly
cut up; I shaU resume its command with melancholy
feelings. Leaving Vera Cruz with nearly a htmdred
in its ranks, I shall now find its privates reduced by
death and absentees in the hospitals, to less than
thirty. I feel that I have written enough for to-night.
Good-night.
Sunday, 3rd.
Yesterday, I moved to Genl. Hd. Qrs. where I am
now very comfortably at home. Mr. Trist is the only
fellow-hver with the Genl. Thinking yesterday, that,
as I was coming here, I would spruce up a Httle, I had
my suspenders put on, and wore them aU day. Last
night I suffered for my folly, their pressiu-e on the
muscles just below the point of the shoulder giving
me an tmeasy stiffness and heaviness of my shoulder
all night. Dr. Steiner says he never knew a similar
wound to heal as well and rapidly as mine has. He says
that had the ball penetrated perpendicularly at the
point where it struck, I must certainly either have lost
my life instantly, or that amputation must have been
made at the shoulder joint. It was deflected from its
course, turning down the arm, by the muscles. Every
day's reflection convinces me more and more of the
vastness of my obligation to God, for having preserved
3i8 An Artillery Officer
my life on that dark and most bloody day. Oh, that
my gratitude may effect a salutary change in my cold
and sinful heart.
To-day, I am wearing my old comfort, the morning
gown, properly, with the right arm in its sleeve — the
first day I have done so; I am still compelled to wear
my night-shirts, as they only are sufificiently large for
me to put on and off with any comfort, and to enable
the Dr. to dress my wound. I have now been using
simple salve on the lint four days. Dr. Steiner is very
attentive. I am not sure whether I mentioned that
my valet was wounded the same day I was. He was
wounded in the breast, the ball grazing the breast bone,
and passing horizontally out about three inches from
the first hole where it entered. I have kept him with
me, though, until I moved here, I have had another
man with me, a young soldier, named Hart,' who has
been exceedingly kind and attentive. I shall miss his
services much, as he is much smarter and quicker than
my firm friend Derr.
Yesterday at a quarter to eight A.M. we experienced
the severest earthquake I ever felt. The house shook
and undulated so sea-like as to make many persons
sea-sick. The Mexicans threw themselves on their
knees, and so remained till all was again still. Old
Popocatepetl must have been thinking of paying us a
prank, reminding us that his volcanic fires are not ex-
tinct. The gentleman, now Prussian Minister to
Washington, found its fires active enough to throw
stones nearly to the top of the crater, when he visited
its edges some ten years ago.
Rumor states to-day that Genl. Taylor is marching
" Hart was taken down by my mother to Ft. Sumter, remained
with my father, and hoisted the Flag after it was shot down.
In Mexico 319
towards San Luis Potosi. The Genl. discredits the
report. Enough writing for to-day.
Monday, 4th.
Still doing well — crested well last night. Not until
yesterday did I learn that Genl. Scott had made applica-
tion about the igth or 21st of last November, for me to
be appointed Asst. Adjt. Genl. with the rank of Major,
to enable him to select me as Chief of his Staff; my name
was sent in with two others, Capts. De Hart and Vinton.
As if to show him that his desires and rights should
both be disregarded, neither was appointed, and thus
has the Genl. had thrown upon himself a vast quantity
of labor which would have been confided to an exper-
ienced Staff Officer. Never before was a Genl. com-
manding an Army on the Field, he the highest Officer
of the Army, refused, in any other service, the right of
selection of his Chief of Staff. 'T is too contemptible.
If the people of the United States do not see through,
and visit with just indignation, the conduct pursued
by the War Dept. towards Genl. S. ever since he left
the United States, they are not fit to be ruled by, or
to have honest men in office.
No news to-day from any point. Col. Hitchcock
did me the honor to read to me last night, requesting
my suggestion of any alteration that might occur to
me, a proposed introduction to a number of letters,
written in this City the night of the 20th Aug., and
giving their comments on the operations of that day.
The Colonel's introduction is, like everything from his
pen, weU written. If he decides upon its publication,
I shaU take care of a copy for home.
Genls. P. and W. have given the Genl. infinite dis-
tress, by inaccuracies in their reports, assuming to
320 An Artillery Officer
themselves the giving of Orders and the execution of
Movements upon the field of battle, distinctly directed
by the Genl. The selfish vanity of some men leads
their memory entirely astray; vanity and ingratitude
together have destroyed high merits in others. Good-
evening.
Wednesday, 6th.
Genl. S. gave me a duty to execute last afternoon,
which prevented my continuing my letter. I am to-
day doing weU. This morning Lt. Hamilton and I
walked to the Museum courtyard, where we saw the
justly celebrated equestrian statue of Charles IV. It
is colossal, cast in bronze by a Mexican artist, named
Tolsa. I admire neither the expression of the rider,
nor the form of his horse, but the perfectness of so
huge a casting is wonderful and the effect is very fine.
I prefer it to our marble Washington by Greenough.
Brantz Myer's work, which I saw for the first time
to-day, presents a very fair engraving of this statue,
and gives a pretty good critique on the fat Mexican
horse, evidently too fat for any other than a very slow
and short ride. In the beauty and variety of the wax
figures of the City, so highly praised by foreigners, I
am thus far, much disappointed. At Puebla I could
have formed a better and more interesting collection.
But when, or how I am to get them home, are questions
which, not being able to answer as yet, keep me from
making such purchases.
Last night, for appearance' sake, being in a parlor
through which Mr. Trist and his visitors have to pass,
I indulged in sheets, with which I have just provided
myself. The declaration will appear strange, but 't is
true ; so long have I been accustomed to our common
In Mexico 321
camp bed covering, that it was a sacrifice of comfort
to appearance. We know nothing certain about Santa
Anna. He wUl probably, if he has not aheady done so,
leave Col. ChUds and go towards the Coast; if so, you
will hear of him before we do. The Mexicans who bring
reports are such consummate liars that if they tell
the truth, 't is by mistake.
Night before last, we were visited by another earth-
quake, indeed by two, 't is said a shght one before ten,
and a tolerably severe one a quarter before twelve. I
dreamt, or thought in my sleep, that there was one,
but it did not awaken me.
The so much talked of rainy season is said to be
nearly over; soon after the heavens brighten in the
fall, the vomito takes its departure, and then come
the Northers. I hope that the Northers wUl bring us
heavy arrivals of troops at Vera Cruz, open the com-
munication with the United States and give us letters.
Here the Genl. came in, and asked me to join him
in a walk. I have been with him fifteen minutes and
left him to finish his walk. The pressure of the cloak
upon my shoulder prevents my wearing it a longer
time with any comfort. I have purchased a very Hght
sword, which I carry as a cane and as a means of de-
fence. My old sword is too heavy for me now to use.
To-morrow, a gentleman leaves this city for Puebla.
He may go further; if so, I wiU ask a favor of him —
one letter will not be much additional to his baggage.
Enough for to-day.
Thursday, 7th.
The gentleman messenger has gone, I believe, but I
did not succeed in sending a line. News reached the
City last evening, that Santa Anna left Puebla on the
322 An Artillery Officer
morning o{ the 2nd on his way south; whether he looks
for prey or safety, no one knows. Many of his troops
had deserted at Puebla and those still pretending to
stand by their colors are said to be rather rabble than
soldier-like in their conduct.
To-day we hear that detachments from Vera Cruz
are en route, that one is on the southern road at Orizaba.
'T is a pity that the other two (three are said to be
marching up) had not tmited. It wovdd be vmfortu-
nate were either detachment to meet with the slightest
reverse ; it would be magnified into an immense victory,
and might fan the flame of military ardor which all
good friends of peace and order in Mexico hope may
soon be extinguished.
The condition of the Mexican officers, taken pris-
oners by us, is truly lamentable. Many of them, some
of rank as high as Lt. Colonels, have told otor officers
that they were without money, and could obtain not
a cent from their countrymen. They have been in
many cases assisted by their enemies. Some appre-
hensions are entertained about the safety of the letters
sent by the last express. If my letters by him are
intercepted, I think I may despond of getting a line
to you.
I hope that in your next letter you wUl tell me when
Father proposes to take up his line of march home-
wards. I am half inclined to change the direction of
all letters I may send after the 20th of this month,
so as to place those that may reach the United States
after the loth of Nov. in the Camden Post Office. I
feel anxious to hear how you have passed the summer;
what a crowd of news my heart yearns for! About
your kind and excellent Grandmother's health, I
feel great anxiety. I can scarcely think after the
In Mexico 323
severe attacks she had just prior to my last news from
her, she can have survived through the summer. She
is, however, blessed with a glorious constitution, and
may have recovered to live many years longer.
Who wiU dare to read the decisions and will of God,
under whose displeasiire the strong man falls in a mo-
ment, whilst, at His good will, the invalid is raised to
health and a happy long life? The shades of evening
are rapidly darkening my paper, and as I have already
written as much as I ought to, I shall close with a
God bless you.
Friday, October 8th.
This day one month ago, came off the foully murderous
tragedy of "El Molino del Rey," a day, an event I can
never forget. Praised be God that I live to remember
His mercy alone preserved me; may it prove to be for
a good end! The rainy season, now that we are "re-
veUing in the HaUs," seems to have begun anew, as we
have had rain daily for nearly a week. Most fortimate
was it for our poor soldiers that it did not pay us daUy
visits whilst in march for, and operating against this
City and its dependencies.
I have heard one or two newspaper slips read to-day
from home papers. The Sun of New York is abusive,
vulgarly abusive of Genl. S. These slips belong to an
Editor of a Mexican paper. I will try and get a perusal
of them. A rumor is current in the City that Genl.
Santa Anna's guard of Cavalry is rapidly deserting,
that he directed or had four of them shot, and that
their companions mutinied, and that he narrowly
escaped, Mrs. Santa Anna has gone, 't is said, to
Orizaba. If the above rumor be true, the sooner his
Excellency, "El bien merito, " leaves the Country the
324 An Artillery Officer
better. The people have no sympathy with him, and
his only dependence is the Army.
I did not mention the duty Genl. S. gave me the
other day ; 't is to collect and arrange all the information
I can, relative to the Zodiacal or Calendrical Stone of
the Ancient Mexicans. He thinks somewhat of taking
it to Washington, if the Mexicans do not make peace
with us.
Though my wound, the Dr. assures me, is healing
very well, I recover so very slowly that I begin to fear
that a long time will elapse before I can have the good
use of my shoulder. A little feeling of heaviness or pain
about the shotdder always indicates when the muscles
have had exercise enough. I cannot but obey the
warning; therefore now my adieu.
Saturday, gth.
A captain from Santa Arma's Army reported to the
Inspector Genl. of our Army, this morning, that he, Genl.
S. A., went to El Pinal from Puebla, with 5000 men;
that he commenced fortifying there, but, that on learn-
ing that Genl. Patterson was on his way up with
3500 men, he abandoned that position, informed the
Officers that he was going to Oajaca, and offered all who
desired them, passports. This man says that so many
applied for them, that Santa Anna soon decHned giving
any; that the Army is without pay, and entirely disor-
ganized, 700 men having deserted since they left Puebla.
This Captain shewed his passport, and says that he left
the Army on last Monday, 5th inst. How much of this
is true time will shew. I believe no Mexican story. All
these public men seem to make a virtue of lying, in
all statements having any bearing upon us.
Our wounded are generally doing well. I fear that
In Mexico 325
we shall lose three Lieuts.: Shackelford and Daniels,
2nd Arty., and Lieut. Bacon, 6th Infy. AU three are
very low, and but slight hopes are entertained of their
recovery. Genl. S. is still engaged upon his report
of the battles of the 12th and 13th September. He was
delayed by waiting for the Division Reports, and is
compelled to write a lengthy report, in order to set
transactions in a true light, which are misrepresented in
some two of the Division Reports. The affair of the
8th, more deadly and requiring more nerve than almost
any portion of the other battles, is not dwelt upon,
because 't is an affair that, though reflecting high credit
on the troops, if truly criticised will not do as much
for the Milty. reputation of a certain Commander
and some of his Stafif. That Commander is not
Genl. Scott. We hear nothing from Queretaro, the
seat of the nominal Mexican Govt. Enough. Good-
evening.
Monday, nth.
Report says to-day, that over three thousand Amer-
ican soldiers have arrived at Puebla, and that the.
Mexican troops abandoned, thereupon, that City. I
presume that they (our troops) will not come any
farther, as there are now as many troops here as will be
necessary; the Army that has won, can surely keep the
City. I am delighted to hear of the approach of re-
enforcements, as I look to them for letters, and also as
being the means of, ere long, opening, and keeping
open, the road to Vera Cruz. With the troops en route
may be expected some Officers who have been on the
recruiting service. Many of the wounded have hoped
to be ordered home in their places. I fear that most of
them will be disappointed, as from an expression used
326 An Artillery Officer
by the Genl. a day or two since, I think he will send
very few, if any, home.
I read to-day, with infinite disgust, Genl. Worth's
report of the battle of Molino del Rey; he mingles, in a
single paragraph, the names of OfiBcers who distin-
guished themselves greatly by gallantry and zeal, and
those who were not remarked for more than an ordinary
discharge of their duty. In the 3rd he mentions every
Officer on the field but one, and to my knowledge, he
deserved to be named equally as much as two who
were. He makes Lt. Col. Dimcan his hero; the Di-
vision do not, in this case, confirm his decree — ^not that
Duncan was not brave, but, as he had charge of the
Arty., we know that a longer continuance of its fires
that morning, before the advance of the Infy., would
have saved many valuable Uves.
Our force on the 8th including everybody engaged,
was 3251 against a Mexican force Genl. Worth reports
at 14,000. We lost, killed 116, including 9 Ofiicers;
wounded 665 (49 Officers included); missing 18, total
of losses 799!! being very near one man out of every
Jour. May I not call that a murderous affair? On
the 19th and 20th Aug. our force engaged was 8497,
of whom 137 (14 officers included) were killed; ?>TJ
(62 officers included) wounded, and 38 were missing;
a total of 1052. On the 12, 13, and 14th September
7180 were engaged: killed 130 (including 10 officers),
and wounded 703 (68 officers included), and missing 29:
making a total of 862. Grand total in killed, woimded,
and missing since we reached this basin 2713!!
Tuesday, October 12th.
On looking at an old chart (1762) of the coast, from
Pensacola, East and West, for many miles, I find some
In Mexico 327
remarkable differences in the spelling of several of the
places, etc., showing how much we have modernized
the original names: San Miguel de Panzacola, Movila,
Pascagula, B. S. Luis, Pontchartvin, La BaUza,
Misissippi — the latter may have been spelt incorrectly
on the chart.
Yesterday's report about the arrival of troops at or
very near Puebla is believed here. A member of the
Mexican Congress, now on his way to Queretaro, says
that he wants us to annihilate their Army, that this
being done, the friends of good government wiU be able
to estabhsh and maintaia that great desideratum. If
they cannot keep the Army down now they may as well
abandon all idea of Republican Government. I am
too much fatigued to write more. Adieu.
Saturday, October i6th.
As the Spy Company goes down this evening with
despatches, I thought of sending this letter by it, but
am in doubt, even as I write, whether to do so or not.
As this one has no special news, but embraces a great
portion of the time since I was wounded, I think I
wUl trust it. The Genl. sends a copy of his reports
by this express — ^he sent another 4 days ago. I find
that, though Col. Garland and Capt. Burke mention
my conduct on the 8th Sept. in terms very compli-
mentary, and too flattering, my friend Col. Belton
does not name me in his report. I know the man too
well, and he thinks by his petty maHce he can ptmish
me for it. Thank God, the testimony of a good con-
science and the approbation of my brother officers,
witness to my bearing, more than make amends for
his silence.
My arm is improving slowly in strength. I hope
328 An Artillery Officer
that in a week or ten days I will be well enough to
return to duty. Lts. Shackelford, 2nd Arty., and Bacon,
6th Infy., with Asst. Surgeon Roberts (of Georgia) were
buried two mornings since. Lt. Daniels, 2nd Arty., is
very much reduced, but hopes are entertained for his
recovery. I am now wearing an old mixed cotton
coat I purchased at Tampico. My uniform presses
too heavily on my shoulder; I found, much to my de-
Hght on the 13th inst., that I could wear this coat; up
to that time I had worn my dressing-gown. I have not
seen Major Wade for several days, but hear that he is
doing well. Col. Burnett, N. Y. Regt., came to see
Genl. Scott to-day. His case is a most wonderful one;
shot through the leg, he had the lockjaw for nearly
three weeks.
I may as well say a word or two about this great
City, in the appearance of which I have been greatly
disappointed. Its Cathedral, market, and the general
effect of the appearance of the houses as you pass
through the streets, all compare unfavorably with
their similars in the "City of the Angels." Perhaps,
as I am still too much of an invalid to walk much about
the City, I should not express an opinion tiU I see
the whole of it. I will give another opinion without
hesitation, adverse to this, if I am hereafter better
pleased with the City than I am now.
We know not whether Duncan is with the troops said
to have reached Puebla, or not. They will probably
remain there, as we have as many here as we want.
That oxir Heavenly Father will ever continue to
guard and guide you is the earnest prayer of your own
husband, and with all His blessings, I hope He will
soon enable us to thank Him for restoring me to my
beloved family.
In Mexico 329
No. 21. Mexico, October 14th.
Casa del El Senor Loreti Vivanca de Moran, Calle
Espirito Santo. Such I find to be the title of the
owner of the house in which I now write. Spanish
and Mexican houses have been so frequently described,
indeed you may see some of their style of building in
New Orleans, that I shall say but a few words about
this. It has two courts ; steps leading a few feet from
the wall to your right, lead you by an entresol, reserved
for the servants, to the second or upper story where
the rooms for the family are; directly in front as you
reach the last step, you see the door of a little ante-
chamber, which you approach through an open balcony,
having on your right a double row of geraniums, roses,
lilies, hydrangias, violets, etc., in large and handsome
painted earthen pots, the upper row projecting above
the top of the iron raiHng of the balcony. On your
left, the wall is covered with canvas, handsomely
painted to represent niches, containing vases filled
with beautiful flowers, having in the backgroimd views
of country and city. The antechamber, has on your
left a neat bookcase, of inlaid wood, and in different
places aroimd the wall you find a half dozen cases of
glass fiUed with birds (prepared) of Mexico.
Passing through this room you enter, through a
double glass door, the parlor, a room about 36 by 16
feet ; the walls and ceilings are very tastefully painted.
In front of you stands against the wall a long mirror
with gilded frame, on your left is a long piano.
The walls are hung with handsome French engravings;
from the centre of the ceihng hangs a huge bronze
chandelier, and of coiu-se a French clock is to be fotmd
on a side stand.
But if you are fatigued, I advise you to be seated
330 An Artillery Officer
upon one of the three luxtiriant straw-colored sofas
with blue silk stripes, now as well as the room full of
chairs so carefully covered with their Hnen chemises.
Two large double glass doors lead on to the little
platform which nms the length of this room with its
iron balustrade, and enables you to have a view of this
City of immense wealth, and indescribable misery and
poverty.
A door in the middle of the right hand wall (as you
enter) leads into the Genl.'s bedroom, which, as it has
no Mexican ftuniture in it except chairs, tables, and a
glass doored armoire, I will not describe. This room
has two doors, one in the same wall as the door through
which you enter, and to your right leads into an ex-
ceedingly comfortable room for bathing, washing, etc.
The door near this one and on its left, leads into Mr.
Trist's room, next to which is the room I occupy, which
I must try to draw. '
Friday, 15th.
I was called off to join the Genl. in a walk and finished
my house talk to-day. I thought after commencing
that I would describe with greater minuteness than I
at fitrst deemed necessary ; it has so many conveniences,
that I may say more at some other time — closing now,
as it is about our time for walking, by saying that all the
walls of the rooms are covered with canvas painted
very neatly above and below, and that aU the sofas
and chairs in my room have on their covers of brown
linen. I omitted mentioning that the curtains, very
large and full, in the parlor are beautifully and heavily
worked with thread lace; they are white, and have a
blue top piece, with gilded head piece. Good-evening.
' A sketch was enclosed in letter.
In Mexico 331
Sunday, October 17th.
Yesterday I wrote a little in No. 20, despatched by
our robber band. I pray that that letter may reach you ;
it will show you that you have no cause for uneasiness,
as I tell you there of my daUy improvement. I have
just returned from a stroll, and am so much fatigued
that I shall now close. To-day I have thanked God
for His preservation; may He long continue to bless
us with the light of His countenance and soon restore
me to you.
Monday, i8th.
I have this moment heard that a gentleman, Mr.
Sandoff, starts for Vera Cruz to-morrow morning, and
that he will take a few letters. I shall, therefore,
hastily finish this letter. I was interrupted here by a
conversation which occurred between Genl. Scott and
a wounded Capt., one who has lost his right arm. The
Capt. desired to know whether there was a chance of
his being permitted to leave the Coiintry. The Genl.
laid down the principle he intends purstiing, without
deviation, he says, for friend or foe — viz.: to permit
no Officer to leave the Army unless an Army Surgeon
(in whom he has confidence) shall certify that the
Officer will not be fit for service for three months.
This decision is, though, entirely proper, as we have
very few Officers present with the Companies.
God grant that ere very long something may bring
us to a peace. But this hope is almost entirely re-
moved by what was told Genl. S. a few days since, by
a member of Congress (the second one who advanced
this opinion) that there was a very respectable party
in this Country opposed to our leaving this Country.
They fear, that as soon as we leave their unforttmate
332 An Artillery Officer
Country, the Military will again usurp all authority and
curse them, as hitherto, with their arbitrary and un-
just acts. Now although this is very flattering to us,
as Soldiers and Christians, still it presents a gloomy
picture of the future to us.
When will the friends of good order and civil govern-
ment feel themselves sufficiently strong to walk without
our sustaining help in the cause of self-government?
Not until the yeomanry — the voters — are sufficiently
educated and informed to understand and practise
their rights, and so debased are they that it must take
years — many long years — before this result, so necessary
and desirable, can be effected. The home question
then bears upon the soul — are we to be kept here as
guardians of a people who acknowledge themselves
incompetent of self-government?
Genl. Scott, you will see, has submitted to the con-
sideration of the Govt, three propositions, one of which
he thinks the Govt, must adopt. As you will soon see
this in print, I will now merely state that two of the
plans keep us in the Country till Mexico sues for
peace, and that the third places our Army on the Une
of boundary selected by our Govt.
The man who took down two letters for you last
month has returned, and I thus know that they reached
Vera Cruz in safety. You may know how delighted
I am at this; I think, as the gentleman who takes this
is a Mexican, with whom our people will not have
any questioning, other than perhaps to see his passport
(rather safe guard from Genl. S.), that this will soon
reach you. News from below informs us that a large
mail must be at Puebla. "When we shall get our letters
here is exceedingly doubtful, as Genl. Scott says no-
thing about sending down for it. What would I not
In Mexico 333
give for your letters ; not a line from you of a later date
than the 24th June. And how many things have oc-
curred since, of which you regularly informed me.
Indeed, indeed, my wife, though I write no more
about resigning — if I can get out of this Country, I
cannot return to the Army whilst this administration
holds the reins of power. The news of every appoint-
ment shows us their prosecution of a plan to insult
and brealc down the spirits of our Regular Army Offi-
cers, many of whom have applied for promotion in
new regiments and their respectful requests have been
scornfully treated with silent contempt. Thank God
my pride has not received that blow from them ! The
troops now en route have been ordered to garrison
some new posts intermediate between this place and
Vera Cruz. Genl. Patterson is permitted to select
Puebla as his Hd. Qrs., but many think as the command
there will not be equal to his rank, that he prefers to
come to this place.
The papers received by the Br. Consul show that
you have heard of our entrance into the City. But
I fear that you have not heard of my lucky escape and
that your fears represented things in the worst light.
You have by this time received assurances under my
own hand, which must have set your heart at rest.
How signally, how kindly have I been guarded; let us
never forget to thank God, day and night, for His con-
stant protection of our little flock. My heart, my
confidence in Him, whispers to me that your letters,
so long and ardently expected and hoped for, will show
that His care has been for you.
I have been scribbling as hurriedly as possible evei
since this letter (I mean to-day's portion) was com-
menced, as the young gentleman who volunteered to
334 An Artillery Officer
have it taken went hurriedly off to ascertain when the
letters must be sent and I have been momentarily
expecting his return. I hope that he may not have
become so much interested in a dinner party as to
make him forget my poor letter. It would be almost
an unpardonable offence. I must now close, however,
as it is the General's walking time, and the shades of
evening, now setting in, show that I have but a few
minutes more of daylight; the twilight is here, so near
the equator, very short. May God continue to guard
you and keep oior hearts filled with religious thankful-
ness and gratitude for all His mercies and goodness to
us.
No. 22. EsPiRiTU Santo, Mexico,
Wednesday, October 20, 1847.
No. 21 was hurriedly finished and despatched yes-
terday morning by Mr. Lrnder, a gentleman, friend of
one of the young gentlemen of the General's Staff, who
went down in company with the Br. Minister. That
letter is, I suppose, certain of reaching Vera Cruz
safely, and I hope that my wife wUl soon receive it.
I almost regret not having directed it to Jeffersonton,
as a long passage would, perhaps, place it there about
the time of your return. Here there seems to be no
other change in season than what is produced by the
rain.
I stepped this morning into the house just left by
the Br. Minister to see how his articles sold at auction.
I find the people here as big fools as they are with us,
paying more for things than they could buy them for in
stores. I thought of buying two Httle pieces of plate,
but they soon jumped over my limit. Most of the
purchasers were foreigners, English and French.
In Mexico 335
No news to-day from the seat of Govt. Santa Anna
has, finding he could gain no lavirels on the road,
started on his return to the seat of Genl. Govt, and
issued an edict, pronouncing against Pena y Pena on
whom his resignation threw the robes of office, and
reassuming the office of President. This is certainly
the most inconsistent and servile people in the world;
they allow that man to play upon them as he pleases.
Until they feel more of the spirit of freedom, and even
of manhood, than they do now, they are only fit to be
governed by tyrants. I very much fear that the
impossibility of forming and maintaining a good, stable
Govt. wiU keep us here for an indefinite time. I
however never allow myself to despair, as I have ever
foimd things finally (and frequently sooner than I had
hoped) to be as I hoped and desired. Poor Capt.
McKenzie, 2nd Arty., was buried this afternoon; he had
an attack of the pleurisy, I think, and persisted in
doctoring himself.
Friday, October 22nd.
Genl. Scott last night decided that a train of wagons
were to go to Vera Cruz, leaving this place in five or
six days. Oh, that I could go with it — but under the
circtmistances in which we are here, that would, I
suppose, be entirely out of the question. It would be
unkind in me to make an application after the strong
manner in which the Genl. has laid down his principles
relative to Officers leaving the Country.
To-day I have been out with Derr, trying to make up
a little box. I have purchased several trifles which I
thought might amuse you, but I could have pleased
myself much better at Puebla. I hope to find some-
thing for you, but at present, in consequence of the
336 An Artillery Officer
long continuance of our War and blockade, their stock
of foreign goods is very much reduced, and of domestic
articles the Mexicans produce none of any value.
Derr is a most honest and warmly attached man.
His wound is, I am glad to say, entirely well.
Many of the cases of Officers, whose limbs have been
amputated, have not taken so favorable a turn within a
few days as their previous condition warranted us in
hoping for. I scribble away, but my heart is in my
mouth. I can think of nothing but the train that is
going down and of the hearts that will be gladdened
by the return of friends and relatives, in some cases
husbands and fathers. My time may come sooner than
I dare hope. God grant it. But I almost despair.
Some one wiU go whom you will see and they will
teU you aU about me. Do not despond, my wife.
We shall, I hope, soon meet again, never more to be
separated; I am "tired of War's Alarms," and dis-
gusted the more and more perfectly as I hear of the
appointments made at Washington over us. The Army
will soon not be, it hardly is now, a place for gentle-
men. Enough for to-day. Bonsoir.
Sunday, October 24th.
Can it be that I shall be the bearer of this letter?
I will not even yet indulge the deHghtful thought.
Lt. Lay told me this morning that Genl. Scott had
directed his Acting Adjt. Genl. to order me to the
United States. / have not applied. The Genl. has, in
his many conversations with me, spoken so warmly
about everybody's wanting to go home, that I made up
my mind to remain here. Dr. Steiner told me yester-
day morning, in the presence of Lt. Hamilton, that I
ought to go to the United States ; that it would be much
In Mexico 337
longer than three months before my arm would be
well, and that I would not be fit for duty. Lt. H.
mentioned this conversation to the Genl. who told Lt.
H. to say to me that if I wished it, I should go. This
morning Dr. Steiner told me that he would give me a
certificate, that I would not be fit for duty in three
months. But I have not even hinted to the Genl.
that I desired to go, except in general remarks before
the publication of his order. I am therefore rejoiced
that, if I go, it will be from no application of my
own.
A strange incident has just occurred. The Genl. had
just taken his seat in his bedroom on returning from
church, when a Mexican entered it with a confused air,
and asked in French and in a loud tone if he was Genl.
Scott. The Genl. immediately sprang up, approached
him, and asked him in a bold tone how he dared enter
his bedroom. The man became intimidated and the
Genl. ordered him out. It appears from his question-
ings of the guard below, that he was seeking Genl.
Smith, who struck one of his companions for rudely,
and in a blackguard's manner, blocking the sidewalk
as the Genl. and his friends went to, or returned from
church, this afternoon.
But am I so soon to see my own beloved? God
grant that this so great happiness may be in store for
me. I will indulge a Httle in the hope. Good-day.
No. 22. Mexico, October 27, 1847.
Dearest Wife,
Words cannot express the gratitude to God I enjoy
in saying to you that to-morrow I leave Mexico to
rejoin you. This little note will be sent by the Br.
Courier, and though he leaves a day after we do, he will
338 An Artillery Officer
reach Vera Cruz a week or ten days before us. A
large train of wagons go down, and oiir march will
necessarily be slow. Major Wade and Lt. Welsh also
leave this Country. Genl. Scott most kindly ordered
me out without my making an application. He Mashes
me to commence duties on the recruiting service as soon
as I am sufficiently weU to do so. You must not expect
me until about the 20th of November, as I may be
detained some days in Vera Cruz, and then have a
tedious passage to New Orleans. Remember the te-
dious trip I made from Tampa Bay to Tampico.
I was anxious to take Derr with me, but fear that I
wUl not be permitted to do so. He had set his heart
on it, but he has so far recovered that he carmot go
out with the invaUds. My arm, or rather my shoulder,
is still very stiff and unmanageable, but a little home
nursing with quiet wiU, by the blessing of God, bring
everything right again. The newspapers will, I think it
quite probable, annoimce oxir coming, as two Generals
go out — Generals Quitman and Shields — and other
friends will certainly herald their approach. They are
both brave and honorable men. Genl. PiUow's inordi-
nate vanity has so infliated him as to disgust every-
body. I must not omit mention of your old friends — Lts.
Judd and Thomas (the smaller) go to Vera Cruz on
their way to join Genl. Taylor's Army, as the Compy.
to which they belong is there. Lt. Brown remains
here — he is very well and deservedly a favorite with all
who know him.
October 28th.
The Express of the Br. Minister is now in Mr. Trist's
room, having come for the letters. I must therefore
close. The roads are so muddy that we carmot leave
In Mexico 339
for two or three days. That God may bless you, is
the earnest prayer of your own devoted
Robert Anderson.
City of Mexico,
October 24, 1847.
I certify on honor, that Captain Robert Anderson
of the 3rd Artillery has been under my professional
charge for the last month, from a gun-shot wound in
the right shoulder, received at the battle of Molino
del Rey, and that, in my opinion, he will not recover
the use of his right arm (it being now completely
disabled) for at least two or three months to come.
(signed) H. H. Steiner,
Asst. Surgeon, U. S.A.
■■■■■-■":'w;;iiiM^^^^
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